Englewood, CO Altitude Sickness Treatment Near Me

AFC offers altitude sickness treatment to Englewood & the surrounding Denver area. Visit us today; walk-ins welcome, most insurance accepted.

While Englewood is an ideal location for those commuting to Denver, it’s also a prime location for outdoor recreation. Exploring the Rockies is a popular past time here in Englewood. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or biking, toward a higher altitude, one thing you have to be mindful of is altitude sickness.

What is Altitude Sickness?

When your body struggles to adjust to lower oxygen levels (typically at elevation levels above 8,000 feet), you may experience dizziness, nausea or shortness of breath. This condition is known as altitude sickness. And when you move to higher altitudes too quickly, you’re more likely to experience it.

The 3 types of altitude sickness

1. Acute mountain sickness (AMS): The most common and mildest type.
2. High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE): This form is a medical emergency and must be treated right away. Results from altitude sickness that causes your lungs to fill with fluid. HAPE may not be the most severe form of altitude sickness, but it can cause death faster than the other types.
3. High altitude cerebral edema (HACE): The most dangerous form of altitude sickness; it must receive emergency medical care. HACE is when altitude sickness causes your brain to swell.

The Causes of Altitude Sickness

As you move higher up on earth, the atmosphere gets thinner. As a result, you may be breathing in the same amount, but you get less oxygen compared to when you are at a lower altitude. If you don’t have enough time to adapt to the lower level of oxygen, altitude sickness may occur. Risk factors include:

• 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.

Common Altitude Sickness Symptoms

The symptoms of altitude sickness will vary depending on the severity of the condition. AMS symptoms usually appear within the first day. Whereas, severe forms like HAPE or HACE can take between two and five days.

Signs of altitude sickness may include:

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

Severe cases may cause confusion, chest tightness, difficulty walking or worsening shortness of breath, which require immediate medical attention.

How Is Altitude Sickness Treated?

Our board-certified providers at AFC can evaluate your symptoms if you think you may be experiencing altitude sickness. Stop by our clinic, and together, we’ll find a treatment plan that meets your needs. Treatment options may look like:

• 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.

When to Visit Urgent Care

Seek medical attention if your symptoms are not improving after a few days or you are experiencing:

• Confusion, severe headaches or chest tightness.
• Shortness of breath even when resting.
• Vomiting and unable to keep fluids down.

The AFC Advantage

Don’t let altitude sickness ruin your plans. AFC Englewood can diagnose and provide reliable treatment – tailored to your needs! We’re open every day of the week and offer extended hours because sometimes those symptoms hit early in the morning or at dinnertime. Just walk right in, no scheduling involved. We’re here to provide the Englewood community with affordable, convenient and friendly health care.