Altitude Sickness and Treatments

Exploring Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment: A review of Medical Research

The P-Treatment, by Dr. Deborah Dunn, MD. MPH, located in the heart of Vail, offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, IV therapies, and adaptogens/vitamins to help alleviate your altitude sickness.

What is Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can occur when people travel to high altitudes such as Vail, Colorado. Vail is one of the highest ski resorts in the world, with a base of 8,150 ft above sea level and a mountain peak of almost 12,000 ft., so altitude sickness is a common experience for visitors. Symptoms occurs when people ascend to high altitudes too quickly, this can be severe or even life-threatening in some cases.

Can I Predict if I Will Get Altitude Sickness on my Ski Vacations?

The magic number for altitude symptoms is 8,000 ft above sea level. With the base of Vail Village at 8,150 ft above sea level, this means almost all visitors will have a reduced performance ability in Vail, CO and some level of Acute Mountain Sickness. 

*Individuals with a history of POTS or Low Adrenal Function should plan on receiving IV fluids upon arrival. 

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

The primary cause of altitude sickness is the lack of oxygen at high altitudes. As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases, which means that there is less oxygen available for the body to use. This can cause the body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs, leading to symptoms of altitude sickness. Another reason for symptoms to occur, even in those normally not affected by altitude, is due to vitamin/mineral depletion and mitochondrial exhaustion, secondary to age, extreme stress, recent illness or complicated travel. We recommend our CGR adaptogens, plants that are grown in high altitude, and help humans perform at this elevation, and our Mineral Load to help your cells function well.

What are Symptoms of Altitude Sickness?

Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness. These symptoms usually occur within the first 24 to 48 hours of arrival at a high altitude and can be moderate to severe.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention For Altitude Sickness?

It's important to note that if symptoms are severe or not improving it is necessary to  seek medical attention. In severe cases, altitude sickness can lead to more serious conditions such as high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Additionally, it may be necessary for you to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible, as this is the most effective way to treat altitude sickness.

What is the Best Medicine for Altitude Sickness and are there Natural or Home Treatments for Altitude Sickness?

The best natural treatments include: Rest, Hydration, Alcohol Avoidance for 48 hours, and Over the Counter Medications.

How Much Water Should I Drink to Prevent Altitude Sickness?

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adult men drink about 3.7 liters (about 13 cups) of fluid per day, and adult women drink about 2.7 liters (about 9 cups) per day. However, to prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to drink even more, about 4 to 6 liters (13 to 20 cups) of water per day when at high altitude. Please note that these are general guidelines, and your individual needs may vary based on factors such as your age, body weight, and level of physical activity.

Citations:

Cicero AF, Derosa G, Brillante R, Bernardi R, Nascetti S, Gaddi A. Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr Suppl. 2004;(9):69-73. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2004.04.012. PMID

Institute of Medicine. (2005). Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. National Academies Press. 

Shannon, J., & Prabhakar, H. (2015). Altitude illness. The Lancet, 386(9990), 669-679.

Singh M, Tulsawani R, Koganti P, Chauhan A, Manickam M, Misra K. Cordyceps sinensis increases hypoxia tolerance by inducing heme oxygenase-1 and metallothionein via Nrf2 activation in human lung epithelial cells. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:569206. doi: 10.1155/2013/569206. Epub 2013 Aug 26. PMID: 24063008; PMCID: PMC3770031

How to Support the Body with Natural Plants, Vitamins and Minerals for Altitude Sickness.

ADAPTOGENS

Adaptogens are a class of natural compounds, grown in extreme environments that have been traditionally used to help the body adapt to and cope with stress. Herbs grown in high altitude often support the body to LIVE in high altitude. Recent research suggests that some adaptogens are effective in preventing and treating altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS).The P-Treatment sells specific adaptogens from plants grown in high altitude like, CGR, to help humans function optimally in high altitude.

RHODIOLA ROSEA

One adaptogen that has been studied for its potential benefits in preventing AMS is Rhodiola Rosea. Our supplement, CGR Adaptogen, contains the most powerful naturally sourced high altitude grown plants and mushrooms to support the body in high altitude. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2015 found that taking Rhodiola Rosea extract for four days before climbing to high altitude significantly reduced the incidence of altitude sickness symptoms compared to a placebo group.

CORDYCEPS SINESIS

Another adaptogen used in our CGR supplement that has been used for thousands of years by those living in the high altitude mountainous region of Nepal and Tibet, is Cordyceps Sinensis. A study in 2013 validated the mechanism of action of the high altitude mushroom to provide energy and to protect from altitude sickness symptoms.

SIBERIAN GINSENG (ELEUTHEROCOCCUS)

Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng) is another high altitude thriving plant that when given to humans improves their ability to live and perform in challenging low oxygen environments and has been especially chosen to be included in our CGR supplement and is the “G” in our product name.

ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA)

The last adaptogen, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) has also been studied for its potential benefits in treating altitude sickness. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in 2019 found that taking Ashwagandha for a week before climbing to high altitude significantly reduced the incidence of altitude sickness symptoms compared to a placebo group. Ashwagandha decreases cortisol affecting blood volume, therefore we recommend caution using it as a first line therapeutic while performing in high altitude. We have chosen not to include this adaptogen in our first line product (CGR ADAPTOGENS).

OTHER VITAMINS AND MINERALS

MCT oil, Methyl Max, Bio active B’s, Ketones, Mitojuice, and Mineral Load are helpful to support the body under stress and help the body to produce energy.

Citations:

Cicero AF, Derosa G, Brillante R, Bernardi R, Nascetti S, Gaddi A. Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr Suppl. 2004;(9):69-73. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2004.04.012. PMID

Institute of Medicine. (2005). Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. National Academies Press. 

Shannon, J., & Prabhakar, H. (2015). Altitude illness. The Lancet, 386(9990), 669-679.

Singh M, Tulsawani R, Koganti P, Chauhan A, Manickam M, Misra K. Cordyceps sinensis increases hypoxia tolerance by inducing heme oxygenase-1 and metallothionein via Nrf2 activation in human lung epithelial cells. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:569206. doi: 10.1155/2013/569206. Epub 2013 Aug 26. PMID: 24063008; PMCID: PMC3770031.

What Medications Treat Altitude Sickness?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing in pure oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressures. The increased pressure allows the oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream at a higher rate, thereby increasing the oxygenation of the tissues and organs. This can lead to IMPROVED HEALING AND RECOVERY.

Hard Tank Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is considered a drug or medication, and works to treat altitude sickness. The P-treatment, By Dr. Deborah Dunn MD, MPH, offers the ONLY HIGH PRESSURE HYPERBARIC IN VAIL, COLORADO. Our hard tank hyperbaric is MORE EFFECTIVE THAN SOFT SHELL hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Soft shell oxygen dosage and pressure is not strong enough to be considered a drug. 

Research Backed Studies for HBOT Effectiveness

A study published in the Journal of Wilderness Medicine in 2000 found that the use of HBOT significantly reduced the incidence of AMS in a group of trekkers ascending to high altitude. The study participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving HBOT and the other serving as a control group. The incidence of AMS was found to be significantly lower in the HBOT group compared to the control group.

Another study, published in the Journal of Altitude Medicine and Biology in 2018, found that the use of HBOT can also be effective in treating HAPE. The study involved administering HBOT to patients diagnosed with HAPE, and the treatment was found to improve oxygen saturation and lung function in patients.

Prescription Medications For Altitude Sickness

Additional medications for Altitude Sickness include acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Acetazolamide is a diuretic that helps to reduce the amount of fluids in the body, which can help to reduce the pressure on the brain. Dexamethasone is a steroid that can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Our physicians can prescribe necessary medications.

What IV Therapies help Altitude Sickness?

Traveling by air dehydrates you, leaving you at risk when you arrive into Vail, Co., for Altitude Sickness.Those not accustomed to elevation or who have been under great stress, have difficulty maintaining their levels of hydration and stress hormones. Most individuals who are living in or visiting from lower elevations will benefit from a fluid bolus. Your body rapidly absorbs the fluid in our harsh mountain conditions. At the P-Treatment, By Dr. Deborah Dunn, MD, MPH,  we can provide a hydration treatment of 500-1000cc to help you feel your best. 

You may also need some small amount of IV NAD or IV Vitamins that can easily be administered once the IV is in place to help support the body. 

Why Choose Us? Oxygen is a Drug

The P-Treatment by Dr. Deborah Dunn MD MPH provides an International Board of Undersea Medicine(IBUM) certified Hyperbaric trained provider. Providers trained by IBUM are dedicated to staying current in evidenced based research and cutting edge protocols using hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a drug. If you are interested in hyperbaric oxygen(HBOT) at the concentration that deems it a drug, you should ensure your provider is trained and certified. Certified providers are also equipped to discuss HBOT doses and times with your other physicians to ensure collaborative care.

How Can I Access These Treatments for High Altitude Sickness?

The P-Treatment, by Dr. Deborah Dunn, MD. MPH, located in the heart of Vail, offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, IV therapies, and Adaptogens/Vitamins/Minerals to help alleviate your altitude sickness.  Email us for questions, share a prescription form with your current physician, or make an online appointment to schedule an appointment with our staff. 

What is the Cost?

Because oxygen is a drug, you will be required to have a quick exam by a trained medical professional to create your hyperbaric prescription. This has a one time fee of $125.00, each one hour treatment is $340.00. Packages available at The P-Treatment for HBOT are below: (Prices subject to change).

• 6 for 5% off
• 10 for 10% off
• 20 for 12.5% off
• 30 for 15% off

Want to learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen and Medical Treatments? Go to our Blog.

Citations:

Brown R, Gerbarg P, Muenz L. Rhodiola rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview. HerbalGram. 2002;56:40-52.

Panossian A, Wikman G. Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Sep;4(3):198-219.

Roitman S, Greenberger C, Levine J, et al. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue – a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2007 Jan;14(1):3-13.

Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. 2000 Apr;7(2):85-9.

Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E,

Citations:

Hackett, P., Roach, R., & Schoene, R. (2000). Hyperbaric therapy for acute mountain sickness. Journal of Wilderness Medicine, 11(2), 131-139.

Kulkarni, S., & Kulkarni, P. (2018). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in high altitude pulmonary edema. Journal of Altitude Medicine & Biology, 18(1), 35-41.

Mader, J., Meister, R., & Bartsch, P. (2018). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the prevention of acute mountain sickness: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Travel Medicine, 25(1).

Citations:

Gormley, J., et al. (2015). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for recovery from intense exercise in professional football