Denver is called the “Mile High City” for a reason. The city’s elevation is actually about a mile high, and adjusting to that altitude can cause trouble for visitors and new residents to the city. It’s not uncommon for people unused to higher elevation to develop altitude sickness.

Could you be suffering from altitude sickness? If so, what can you do about it? Find out the symptoms of altitude sickness and how to treat it.

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

The higher you go, the lower the oxygen levels get. When you breathe, your brain gets fewer oxygen molecules. If this happens suddenly, without gradually getting used to the rise in altitude, fluid may begin to accumulate in the brain and lungs.

Your susceptibility to altitude sickness may rise depending on your: 

• Age
• Weight 
• Blood pressure

Existing heart or lung conditions can also contribute to the likelihood of developing altitude sickness. How long you stay at high altitude can impact the length of your sickness. The chances of developing altitude sickness are lower if you go to a higher altitude gradually, but this isn’t always possible when you take a plane trip to Denver, for instance. 

Common Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Symptoms often vary per person, but the most widely experienced side effect of altitude sickness is headaches. Since this is also a common symptom of dehydration, make sure to drink plenty of water if you suspect you have altitude sickness.

Other common side effects include: 

• Light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting or nausea
• Becoming winded when performing light exercise
• Swollen hands and feet

Sometimes, symptoms become more serious, which could indicate fluid buildup in the lungs or swelling of the brain. Some of these symptoms include becoming unsteady on your feet, numbness of the limbs and losing consciousness.

Remedies to Ease Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

If you feel ill from altitude sickness, you can take some steps to feel better. Remedies that will ease your symptoms include: 

• Resting: Your body can become exhausted by the symptoms of altitude sickness and the physical strain. Take it easy as much as you can after diagnosis. Try to sleep and avoid standing up too much. Don’t attempt to do any strenuous exercise. 
• Taking pure oxygen: Your body needs oxygen to thrive, and if you go to a physician, they can offer you a mask with pure oxygen to breathe. This will help you rebalance and regain a clear head.
• Receiving medication: A physician may prescribe you medication that can ease your symptoms. 
• Descending from altitude: Descending just a few thousand feet can help you feel better and get your bearings before returning to Denver.
• Getting an IV: If you have been throwing up, you need to replace the lost fluids in your body quickly. IV hydration will help you feel better almost immediately.

Contact Us for IV Therapy

Wondering where to get an IV in Denver? We offer IV hydration for altitude sickness symptoms. Call or text us at (720) 987-2155 for more information, or fill out our online contact form.