How I can prevent altitude sickness during the summer

August 17, 2023

AFC Urgent Care Centennial is here to provide the best possible urgent care quality for patients this summer season. Whether it’s sudden injury care, symptom testing, or something else we are ready to help. One of these common needs for our nearby patients in Centennial, Lone Tree, Cherry Creek, and other neighborhoods includes altitude sickness treatment.

Tourists, hikers, and anyone else enjoying recreational activities or an active lifestyle can be at risk for sudden altitude sickness symptoms. When a person’s body is not adjusted to elevated locations this can lead to faster rates of dehydration, which then causes nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

The good news for patients is that altitude sickness is highly preventable with a few strong health habits. In the event that you are experiencing prolonged altitude sickness, we can provide same-day altitude sickness treatment at AFC Urgent Care Centennial. If you are coming to visit, or want to prepare for an elevated hike/activity, then keep reading below to learn effective altitude sickness prevention:

Hydration and ease of activity are paramount when preventing altitude sickness

Altitude sickness occurs when your body isn’t acclimated with the higher elevation, which leads to increased fatigue and significant dehydration. As your body continues to adjust to a new altitude it exerts a greater physical tool and causes many common symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms are accelerated for people that have not adjusted to an increased elevation and start to suddenly increase their physical activity.

Drink plenty of water and watch out for early signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, chapped lips, extreme thirst, and other common symptoms. Maintaining hydration at an elevated location is harder than if you are normally accustomed to a location closer to sea level.

As you start any physical activity it also helps to ease into your movements, such as taking a light jog before running or slowly increasing your speed during a hike. In addition, watch for sudden dizziness or significant fatigue if you gradually increase physical activity.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for mild and moderate altitude sickness symptoms

Whenever patients start to get mild and moderate altitude sickness symptoms, they can prevent worsened symptoms at AFC Urgent Care Centennial. We provide IV treatments to help rehydrate patients, provide follow-up care for at-home treatment/monitoring, and ensure that you are healthy and safe this summer.

AFC Urgent Care Centennial is a nearby urgent care center and walk-in clinic that doesn’t require appointments, and is only a few minutes away from the following towns and local neighborhoods:

  • Centennial
  • Cherry Creek
  • Cherry Hills
  • Dove Valley
  • Lone Tree

Contact our team today if you want to plan your altitude sickness treatment or simply get directions here!

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