How To Diagnose And Prevent High Altitude Sickness In Colorado

Colorado’s beautiful, mountainous views make it a great travel destination.

There are so many amazing things to do in Colorado to keep you outside on your vacation every single day.

In the spring, summer and fall, zip-lining, rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, and whitewater rafting are all some of the best Colorado adventures to do there.

It is very important that you are prepared for the change in altitude from your home destination.

However, the incredible, breath-taking, spectacular scenery also comes with high altitude levels. These high levels often cause adventurers to experience altitude sickness traveling to Colorado.

As a traveler looking to visit one of the best mountain states in the U.S., you need to properly prepare for a new elevation level to fully experience the Rocky Mountains, Boulder and Colorado Springs.

Read this post to learn how to prevent altitude sickness in Colorado.

Visit Your Doctor Beforehand

Before you find cheap flights for your Colorado trip, you may want to consult with a doctor.

Express your concerns for dealing with altitude sickness during your trip. Your doctor regularly prescribes medicine to patients in your position. These medicines offer answers to travelers wondering what to take for altitude sickness in Colorado.

The most common prescription for altitude sickness is Acetazolamide. This drug is known to drastically minimize your chances of getting altitude sickness. It reduces headache pain, prevents tiredness and decreases nausea.

Since these are all symptoms of altitude sickness visiting Colorado, taking this prescription works well for prevention purposes.

Schedule a doctor appointment to put your mind at ease and avoid getting sick during your upcoming trip to the mountains.

Reduce Your Caffeine Intake

Unfortunately, drinking coffee while traveling to Denver Colorado is not the best decision.

When going to higher altitudes in Colorado, caffeine is not your friend.

Drinks with large amounts of caffeine in them act as mild diuretics. Beverages like coffee and tea dehydrate you. Since dehydration puts you at risk of feeling ill, limit your intake of caffeine.

Then, you can reach the top of each mountain free of any dizzy feelings or nausea. Use this tip to avoid altitude sickness in Colorado.

Stay Hydrated During Your Trip

Additionally, stay hydrated during your Colorado adventure.

I adjusted nicely, and I could do all of those amazing outdoor adventures without feeling ill because I stayed hydrated and limited strenuous activity until day three of my trip.

This is one of the main things to know before traveling to Colorado for climbing and hiking. It is easy to forget to drink your ounces among the beautiful scenery. However, Colorado’s air is much drier than other state’s.

You can get dehydrated much faster when exercising in the dry air. Set a timer to drink water during your strenuous hikes. That way, you can feel great and enjoy your trip.

Take It Easy The First Day

Prevent altitude sickness by taking it easy on your first day in Colorado.

Right when you get off of the plane, your vision will be overwhelmed with mountains that just need to be hiked. Unfortunately, kick-starting your trip with a great hike is not the best option.

Our bodies do not easily adjust to changes in altitude. Typically, it takes between 24-36 hours in Colorado.

The best places to visit in North Carolina and other states in the U.S. have lower elevation levels that require less adjusting.

So, rather than spending your first day in the mountain state hiking, take some time to relax. Visit Denver’s local shops, the US Mint or Larimer Square. Consider taking a walking tour or dining at the best restaurants.

Spend your first day or two exploring the town and taking photographs of the mountains from afar.

Your body will thank you later. It may even allow you to climb Pikes Peak without issue.

Avoid Salty Foods

Great mountain trips call for delicious foods. However, salty foods do not work well for travelers trying to avoid altitude sickness.

More specifically, find accommodations near healthy food options. The best restaurants in Colorado usually offer low-sodium dishes that make for good altitude sickness-preventing meals.

If you find yourself at a restaurant with seemingly high-sodium foods, balance your plate. This is one of the best methods for what helps altitude sickness in Colorado.

Order a side of broccoli instead of french fries. Request nutritious fruit with your breakfast in the morning. These foods balance your electrolytes, promoting proper hydration.

The Niagara Falls and Buffalo restaurant guide includes great tips for eating well when traveling, too.

To feel good when in Colorado, you need to eat good food. Keep your sodium intake low to prevent altitude sickness.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Finally, limit your alcohol consumption during your Colorado trip.

Similar to caffeine, alcohol dehydrates you. It, therefore, can increase your chances of getting elevation sickness in Colorado.

I didn’t have a problem in the 15 days I was in Colorado because I hydrated like crazy.

I even felt the information I read before I arrived, and advice from people, exaggerated altitude sickness. However, even though it didn’t affect me, the effects are legitimate.

Now, I am not saying that you should avoid the local breweries in Denver. Simply avoid overindulging when you plan to hike Colorado’s mountains.

That way, you can reach the peaks without having to take an extra breath.

Always Stay With Your Travel Companion

Whether you are visiting Colorado with friends, your spouse, or on a family vacation, you should always remain with at least one travel companion. You need somebody by your side to monitor you for any symptoms of altitude sickness. Often, travelers are not able to self-diagnose symptoms of altitude sickness until it’s too late. If you or your travel companion begin experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, or wheezing, you need to lower your altitude levels immediately. Reach a low altitude as quickly as possible and remain there for some time.

Descend When Possible

If you are able to, descend to a lower altitude. Denver, CO sits at roughly 5,280 feet of elevation. However, many nearby mountains such as Pike’s Peak, Mount Evans, and the Flatirons can reach altitudes exceeding 14,000 feet. Traveling a few thousand feet lower will often help you rebalance and quickly reduce symptoms of altitude sickness. Of course, do not attempt to descend altitude if you are driving. After all, it can be incredibly dangerous when battling symptoms like dizziness and nausea. If you are less of a hiker and mountaineer, check out these amazing hidden California beach towns, which you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list.

In order to take advantage of the time you have in the state, take precautionary measures. Also, consider taking some travel safety essentials along with you.

Consider consulting your doctor to inquire about getting a prescription medication. Drink coffee and other high-caffeine beverages minimally. Drink enough water to feel good in Denver Colorado as well.

Take it easy within your first 24-36 hours in the state and keep your sodium levels low. Furthermore, avoid overindulging in alcoholic beverages as they dehydrate you.

Use this advice to properly prevent altitude sickness in Colorado. Don’t let potential altitude issues keep you from your next adventure. Use this guide to stay ahead of this battle!

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