Attention Hikers!
I learned a important lesson today. Have you heard of acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness? I never heard of it until today. It isn't painful, its just not what you want (especially on a three day weekend!) If you can prevent it then do it. I have done my research on it and the doctors aren't sure of what causes it exactly. They just know the symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips.
Basically when you hike in high elevations, you are susceptible to it. Every body type can get it. I was hiking it Provo Peak today and had trouble breathing and then wanted to vomit. I thought it was merely because I am out of shape but my mom informed of altitude sickness. You get it from increasing elevation too fast and not receiving enough oxygen that your body wears down and becomes sick.
The symptoms include:
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid pulse (heart rate)
Shortness of breath with exertion
Severe Symptoms
Bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)
Chest tightness or congestion
Confusion
Cough
Coughing up blood
Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
Gray or pale complexion
Inability to walk in a straight line, or to walk at all
Shortness of breath at rest
Other interesting things about this I learned is the importance of safety in hiking. I feel extremely lucky because I could of easily become injured since I was alone. The best thing to do when you recognize one of these symptoms is get down to lower altitudes as soon as possible in a safe manner. It is important to make sure you are not alone because you may be lightheaded and confused. You can easily lose the pathway and become injured alone. Another important thing is to keep hydrated when you are resting. Resting in lower elevation is important and become accustomed to each level in elevation is important to prevent altitude sickness.
So important applications I have learned today is that hiking in groups is great but make sure you have your partner that never leaves you because you never know what will happen. Also, look for these symptoms in every member in your group. Your responsibility in hiking is to make sure that everyone is safe and healthy. If someone has at least one of symptoms, don't ignore it.
These can be deadly, and one of our family friends had to be life flighted from Mount Shasta because it was severe. This may not be severe or happen to you, but it is important to be aware.
I think one of the most important things to do when hiking is to read what your body is telling you. Your body tells you signals to slow down, stop or hydrate yourself. Read your bodies needs so you don't force your body into going too far.
I am fine but I think I was mainly scared because I wasn't sure of why I wanted to throw up and lie down in the snow face down. Avoid being scared because you are hiking down the mountain by yourself in a not fully aware state of mind. I am just so grateful that I had service to call my mom and get down the mountain by myself safely before my symptoms became too severe. Also, carry pain medication with you because you will want ti if you have this!
Basically when you hike in high elevations, you are susceptible to it. Every body type can get it. I was hiking it Provo Peak today and had trouble breathing and then wanted to vomit. I thought it was merely because I am out of shape but my mom informed of altitude sickness. You get it from increasing elevation too fast and not receiving enough oxygen that your body wears down and becomes sick.
The symptoms include:
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid pulse (heart rate)
Shortness of breath with exertion
Severe Symptoms
Bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)
Chest tightness or congestion
Confusion
Cough
Coughing up blood
Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
Gray or pale complexion
Inability to walk in a straight line, or to walk at all
Shortness of breath at rest
Other interesting things about this I learned is the importance of safety in hiking. I feel extremely lucky because I could of easily become injured since I was alone. The best thing to do when you recognize one of these symptoms is get down to lower altitudes as soon as possible in a safe manner. It is important to make sure you are not alone because you may be lightheaded and confused. You can easily lose the pathway and become injured alone. Another important thing is to keep hydrated when you are resting. Resting in lower elevation is important and become accustomed to each level in elevation is important to prevent altitude sickness.
So important applications I have learned today is that hiking in groups is great but make sure you have your partner that never leaves you because you never know what will happen. Also, look for these symptoms in every member in your group. Your responsibility in hiking is to make sure that everyone is safe and healthy. If someone has at least one of symptoms, don't ignore it.
These can be deadly, and one of our family friends had to be life flighted from Mount Shasta because it was severe. This may not be severe or happen to you, but it is important to be aware.
I think one of the most important things to do when hiking is to read what your body is telling you. Your body tells you signals to slow down, stop or hydrate yourself. Read your bodies needs so you don't force your body into going too far.
I am fine but I think I was mainly scared because I wasn't sure of why I wanted to throw up and lie down in the snow face down. Avoid being scared because you are hiking down the mountain by yourself in a not fully aware state of mind. I am just so grateful that I had service to call my mom and get down the mountain by myself safely before my symptoms became too severe. Also, carry pain medication with you because you will want ti if you have this!
Comments
Post a Comment