Consult with your doctor before going to a place above 8,000 feet.
A visit to a ski resort or a mountain climbing trip can be miserable if you spend the whole time feeling sick. Traveling to a great height can make you feel a little listless and weak, but altitude sickness can also be deadly for some people. When you travel above 8,000 feet above sea level, the air gets thinner and your blood receives less oxygen. If you follow some simple precautions and pay attention to your body's warning signs, you can enjoy being sky high without suffering.
Instructions
1. Move slowly. This may not be possible if you're flying to a destination at a high altitude, but if you're hiking or driving, move uphill as gradually as possible. If you start to experience any effects of altitude sickness like headaches, dizziness, nausea or shortness of breath, rest and drink water until the symptoms disappear.
Climbers should limit how quickly they reach certain heights. The American Heart Association recommends taking two days to reach a height of 8,000 feet, then spending one day to climb each subsequent 1,000 to 2,000 feet.
2. Drink lots of water. Aim to drink at least three to four quarts of water a day. Avoid alcohol for the first two days once you've arrived at your destination. The altitude makes you dehydrated and alcohol will make the dehydration worse. The effects of alcohol can also be stronger at a higher altitude.
3. Rest for the first day or two at your destination. Avoid any strenuous activities or take frequent breaks if this isn't an option.
4. Eat foods that are high in carbohydrates to help increase the levels of oxygen in your blood. This will help reduce any symptoms of altitude sickness. Avoid foods that are high in fat for the first few days, since these foods can decrease your blood oxygen levels.
5. Move back to a lower altitude if your symptoms aren't improving after resting and drinking water. If you're experiencing altitude sickness while climbing a mountain and are not able to seek medical treatment, you should immediately turn back. As you start to get to a lower altitude, you should start to improve.
6. Protect yourself from the sun. At higher altitudes, you will burn quicker, so use plenty of sunscreen and wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat.
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