Broadway, CO Altitude Sickness Treatment Near Me

Visit our walk-in urgent care for altitude sickness treatment. Don’t wait it out, seek prompt, fast & friendly treatment today. We’re open daily!

One of the best parts about living in Broadway, CO, is its close proximity to the Rockies. Outdoor enthusiasts can often be found hiking, biking or climbing toward higher altitudes. Unfortunately, adventures in the Rockies may come with a few side effects. Dizziness, nausea, headaches or shortness of breath could be signs that you’re experiencing altitude sickness.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or temporary visitor, AFC Urgent Care can help you recover and find relief from altitude sickness. Our team of medical professionals will develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, so you can get back to enjoying everything our beautiful state has to offer.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness sets in when your body does not have enough time to adjust to lower oxygen levels. On our planet, the higher you go up, the thinner the atmosphere gets. This means that breathing in the same amount of air gets you less oxygen compared to being at a lower altitude. Therefore, when you move to a higher altitude too quickly, your body has trouble adjusting to the difference in oxygen, resulting in altitude sickness.

There are three distinct types of altitude sickness:

1. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) – This is the mildest and most common form of altitude sickness.
2. High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) – When altitude sickness causes your lungs to fill with fluid. This is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately. HAPE is not the most severe form of altitude sickness, but it can cause death faster than other forms.
3. High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) – This is the most critical type of altitude sickness. It causes your brain to swell and is very dangerous if emergency medical care is not taken.

Common Causes:

Generally, your body needs a few days to adjust to thinner air, but the following situations could put you at risk of getting altitude sickness.

• Traveling above 8,000 feet too quickly (such as flying into a high-altitude city).
• Strenuous physical activity at high elevations.
• Pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Dehydration or alcohol consumption at high altitudes.

Typical Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild to severe and typically appear within a few hours of ascending. They may include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms will often improve over time. However, severe cases may cause confusion, chest tightness, difficulty walking or worsening shortness of breath, which require immediate medical attention.

How is Altitude Sickness Treated?

If you suspect that you’re suffering from altitude sickness, visit our clinic. AFC providers are trained to evaluate your symptoms and provide you with the appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include:

• Oxygen therapy – Supplemental oxygen helps increase oxygen levels in your blood and alleviate symptoms.
• IV fluids – Hydration therapy helps combat dehydration and improve circulation at high altitudes.
• Over-the-counter medications – Pain relievers for headaches and anti-nausea medication can ease discomfort.
• Acetazolamide (Diamox) – A prescription medication that helps speed up acclimatization by stimulating deeper breathing.

Stop by AFC Broadway

We recommend seeking medical attention if:

• Symptoms do not subside after rest and hydration.
• You experience confusion, severe headaches or chest tightness.
• Shortness of breath (especially at rest).
• Vomiting and an inability to keep fluids down.

At AFC Broadway, we can offer you effective and affordable treatment for altitude sickness. Our clinic is open every day, even on weekends and most holidays. No appointment is necessary, just walk-in whenever those symptoms hit.