Altitude sickness is a common concern for travelers, adventures, and anyone venturing to high elevations. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or simply visiting a high-altitude city, altitude sickness can affect individuals differently. It’s not uncommon for people experiencing altitude sickness to mistake it for the flu. In this blog, we’ll explore how altitude sickness can manifest flu-like symptoms and outline some tips to manage this condition.
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Understanding Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly– typically above 8,000 feet (2,4000 meters). The primary cause is the decreased oxygen levels. At high altitudes, it becomes difficult for you to breathe because the air pressure is far lower, meaning there is less oxygen available for you to breathe. As your body adjusts to lower oxygen levels, it can lead to a range of symptoms.
Altitude sickness comes in varying levels of severity. In severe cases, acute mountain sickness can be life-threatening since it reduces the flow of oxygenated blood in the body. The symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness symptoms can resemble those of the flu, including:
1. Headache
At high elevations above 2500m, the air pressure is very low which can be dangerous. The human body relies on oxygenated blood to function but at high elevations, the ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated blood reduces due to the lack of oxygen, the brain becomes starved of oxygen resulting in a throbbing headache.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is also a flu-like symptom as it is a sign of altitude sickness. You begin to experience shortness of breath, and weakness in your limbs due to starvation of oxygenated blood to the various parts of your body.
3. Dizziness
The shortness of breath due to the lack of oxygenated blood is also followed by dizziness which is caused by an increase in deoxygenated blood. This dizziness might even fool you into thinking you have the flu and it can be alleviated by taking a short period to rest so you can acclimate before continuing to a higher altitude.
4. Loss of Appetite
The dizziness, the headaches, and the fatigue work together to develop a potential loss of appetite. But not only does the mountain sickness disrupt your appetite, it also causes nausea, further aggravating the difficulty of keeping nutrients in your body.
One of the key distinguishing factors between altitude sickness and the flu is the rapid onset of symptoms upon ascending to higher elevations. AMS symptoms often appear within hours of reaching a high altitude, whereas the flu typically develops over a few days and is accompanied by respiratory symptoms like coughing and congestion.
Prevention And Treatment For Altitude Sickness
The best way to reduce the effects of altitude sickness is to simply give your body enough time to acclimate, take your climb slowly, and take breaks in between to catch your breath and hydrate. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms and differentiate them from the flu. If you suspect altitude sickness has developed, it’s advised to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible. Descending allows your body to acclimate to higher oxygen levels, alleviating symptoms quickly.
Over-the-counter medications can also help alleviate headaches and body aches associated with AMS. Anti-nausea medications may also provide relief for symptoms. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medications, especially at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction For Acute Illness Treatment
If symptoms persist or worsen despite your intervention, seeking prompt medical attention is recommended. Severe conditions should be treated immediately at the ER. Mild or moderate symptoms can be evaluated at an urgent care center. Remember to prioritize your health and safety while in higher altitudes! AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction is here to help provide guidance on how to protect your health. We’re open seven days a week and offer quality, convenient, and accessible urgent care services for all patients in Grand Junction, CO and surrounding communities. If you have any additional questions about our services, please contact us directly at (970) 609-2001.
