Altitude Sickness Tips

Plumeria · Post by **Plumeria** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 12:03 am

I am from Seattle..sea level. Wondering tips to help beat altitude sickness. It may seem silly to some, but, I know there will be radical difference for my body that rarely goes above 1000 feet!

Would it help to drive down early and stay a night in reno or some other city prior to heading out to the playa? Are there things I can drink (I know water duh!)? Anyone have any good things that have worked for them in the past?

trystanthegypsy · Post by **trystanthegypsy** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 2:11 am

Move to Leadville Colorado for six weeks before the burn.

"At the hub of the top of the Rockies Byway is the historic city of Leadville, North America's highest incorporated city (10,430 feet elevation),and the frontier West's wildest, richest, silver mining Boom Town. "

Then the playa will seem like the ocean

for serious, electrolytes and lots of sleep your first couple of days. Also, jogging before hand and quitting/reducing smoking to increase your lung capacity. so your lungs absorb more oxygen. (despite being choked with dust.)

Plumeria · Post by **Plumeria** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 3:02 am

trystanthegypsy wrote:Move to Leadville Colorado for six weeks before the burn.

"At the hub of the top of the Rockies Byway is the historic city of Leadville, North America's highest incorporated city (10,430 feet elevation),and the frontier West's wildest, richest, silver mining Boom Town. "

Then the playa will seem like the ocean

for serious, electrolytes and lots of sleep your first couple of days. Also, jogging before hand and quitting/reducing smoking to increase your lung capacity. so your lungs absorb more oxygen. (despite being choked with dust.)

Haha ok. I will just do that. I don't think my family will miss me, right!

Might be quite the adventure though.

Well, I don't smoke, but, I do need to work on my cardo. Thanks for the tips. Anyone else have more?

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 4:46 am

Some people breathe shallow unconsciously.
Avoid that.

Time spent at altitude will help.
Going up and down even a week or two earlier seems to help, but you need to spend some time there and exert yourself.
There is no indicator that a decompression chamber is helpful, unless you spend a great deal of time in one.
Maybe other methods of restricting oxygen would trick the body?

Most people take in less oxygen when asleep and if sick, the process worsens.
No sleep, you get worse.
I think a nebulizer at the lowest setting, used for sleeping, might help a great deal.
It would, for certain, if you start getting worse, instead of better.
I haven't tried this yet.

Once you start getting sick, it is much harder to stop that process than it is to avoid it.

When I pace myself properly and don't arrive totally exhausted, I feel much better the second week out there.

I think a few days at Pyramid Lake or somewhere else would be well worth it.
Remember you don't have to be in the area, just at altitude somewhere.
A higher altitude would start the process faster, if you are careful to stay well.

There is a lot of research into this, but it can be difficult to get access to some of the best, as it is proprietary.
Some people are much more vulnerable to problems adapting.
And you may have issues on an inconsistent basis.
I have been completely adapted to 8000 feet and I have become sick at 5300, as in struggling and not getting better.

Don't forget that alcohol is more potent with altitude.

And I have been advised not to run more than a half mile my first day at altitude.
Not a problem.

Foods with potassium are good.
Eat enough to produce blood cells.
That is the actual adaptation.

Studies find that a drop of core temperature is an indicator of near and unavoidable problems, but the study involved hypothermia too, so I don't know if it is relevant to altitude alone.
Adapting may be the reason the playa can feel so cold.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of ... _on_humans
http://zuniv.net/pub/AdaptationJPP.pdf
http://www.altitudeclinic.com/pub.html
http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/altitude-adaptation

http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/altitude.html
The underlying problem with high altitude (>2000 m) is that there is less oxygen and while this may not be that threatening to individuals at rest it does pose a challenge to athletes. Of course for the pure anaerobic events no adaptation is required so this discussion is necessarily focused on endurance training and competition. In general the higher the altitude the longer it takes to adapt. Understanding the adaptation process and the things that you can do to aid it will make for a less taxing transition. A number of physiologic changes occur to allow for acclimatization at high altitude. These can be divided into immediate, which take place over several days, and long term which requires weeks to a few months.

The first thing that happens is your respiratory rate and heart rates speed up. This occurs both at rest and during sub-max. exercise. This helps offset the lower partial pressure of oxygen. You will not be able to reach your max VO2 so don't get frustrated. The faster breathing rate changes your acid-base balance and this takes a little longer to correct.

The longer term changes are

1. a decrease in maximum cardiac output a decreased maximum heart rate
2. an increased number of red blood cells
3. excretion of base via the kidneys to restore acid-base balance. (Unfortunately, the net result is that you have less tolerance for lactic acid.)
4. a chemical change within red blood cells that makes them more efficient at unloading oxygen to the tissues.
5. an increase in the number of mitochondria and oxidative enzymes.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR ATHLETES

1. Diet - A high carbohydrate, low salt diet allows for better adaptation and less risk of "mountain sickness". Some people experience significant decline in appetite and the resulting loss of muscle mass may hinder performance. Iron is used to make hemoglobin and the demand for making more red blood cells may require iron supplementation -- especially in women and vegetarians. Megadoses of vitamins are not helpful and are potentially dangerous.
2. Fluids - Because mountain air is cool and dry you can lose a lot of water so be sure to maintain adequate hydration.
3. Alcohol - It is best to avoid alcohol consumption during the acclimatization period since it appears to increase the risk of "mountain sickness".

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 7:01 am

I don't know how much I'd worry, really.
BRC is not super high elevation.
As others have said, spending time at or near that elevation, would help acclimate you, but, unless you have some fairly acute medical condition related, I'd think it'll be just fine.

Token · Post by **Token** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 9:39 am

It's only 4000 feet! Airliners are pressurized to 10000 feet equivalent and no one is complaining about that.

Going from sedintary lives to cycling 10+ miles a day is likely a bigger contributor to the fatigue.

Get on a bike now for a mile or few daily and you will be great for the playa at summers end.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 9:42 am

It isn't hard to survive if you sit around and don't ride a bike or walk far, and get plenty of sleep.

It's enough to really slow you down when you're coming from 250 above sea level, especially if you are always trying to do something.

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 9:58 am

I think it has alot to do with a person's individual physiology, but 4000 feet isn't even that high up. I wouldn't worry about it too much, or if you really want to find out, go stay the weekend up in the mountains near home.

phil · Post by **phil** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 10:38 am

I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area. I think my house is 15 feet above sea level. I never notice the difference between here and the playa. I don't know of anyone who's had altitude sickness from being at 4,000 feet instead of sea level. Mileage vary, of course.

Playa Foot · Post by **Playa Foot** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 11:01 am

There is less air up here. less oxygen to breathe and less to block the sun's rays. Exercise a little bit this summer and you will not notice the difference in altitude. Wear a good hat, sunglasses and a decent sunblock, you will be spending a lot of time in the bright sun.
You will be sweating more than in Seattle but will not notice it because of the low humidity, your biggest concern is to stay hydrated.

Rice · Post by **Rice** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 11:33 am

BRC is about 3x higher from the sea level that where I live.

My first burn I was exhausted after a 22 hour drive down to the burn. I was not drinking enough water and was frankly very stressed. I ended up with the dry heaves for about 20 minutes in Gerlach. Once I found some shade, drank a bunch of water, and relaxed a little, I felt fine...

My next two burns I traveled just as far, drank more water and was relaxed. Never experienced any negative symptoms.

So in my case, water and attitude played a part.

Welcome to BRC!!! (good question!)

See ya on the Playa.

Rice

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 2:28 pm

I feel better at 4000 ft elevation than I do at 180. What gives?

My first year I had a 3 day adjustment period. Each year after that I am good to go right off the bat. I just drink more water and a sport drink if I feel a little off. Most years all the sport drink I bring is brought back or given to other people at the event.

I would not worry about it unless you have prior experience having difficulty at similar altitude. Just remember to drink water. Lots of water!

Thecatman · Post by **Thecatman** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 10:30 pm

You really need some concerns if the playa was at 7000'+ but at roughly 3900', I would'nt worry especially since you'll be traveling at similar elevations to get there. Assuming you don't take I-5 to I-80
Last year we took a "road trip" through Seattle to Olympic Natl Park. On our return trip we shot inland from I-5 on highway 20 out of Corvallis, down to Bend to 31 then 395.
Not saying that was the most direct route or the route you plan to take
but you'd be at similar elevations most of the trip.
I live at about 4346' so 3900 or 4000 won't mean much

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 11:55 am

I think I had altitude issues one year. I find that a week aclimatizes me to where I'm okay with heat, altitude, ect. Whoopee.
Mostly, I think altitude issues contribute to, rather than cause, the problems people experience.

Thecatman · Post by **Thecatman** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:37 pm

Even at 4000? like the playa is, altitude sickness should'nt be a concern
for anybody even in just fair condition/shape.
The only thing might be shortness of breath for those comming from at or
near sea level.
If you are concerned, tell your doctor what you plan and see what he/she says

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 5:17 pm

Thecatman wrote:Even at 4000? like the playa is, altitude sickness should'nt be a concern
for anybody even in just fair condition/shape.
The only thing might be shortness of breath for those comming from at or
near sea level.
If you are concerned, tell your doctor what you plan and see what he/she says

I'd bet what most think is altitude sickness on the playa, is more related to dehydration, sleep deprivation, dietary change, low humidity, and, high heat.........

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 5:29 pm

They're all kind of related...

jcliff · Post by **jcliff** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:14 pm

I think anynone that suffers altitude sickness at Burning Man probably is suffering from an overlaying case of "the nerves." 4,000 feet shouldn't affect anyone's body chemistry unless they have an overlaying case of meth addiction.

Thecatman · Post by **Thecatman** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:25 pm

Thecatman wrote:Even at 4000? like the playa is, altitude sickness should'nt be a concern
for anybody even in just fair condition/shape.
The only thing might be shortness of breath for those comming from at or
near sea level.
If you are concerned, tell your doctor what you plan and see what he/she says

ygmir wrote:I'd bet what most think is altitude sickness on the playa, is more related to dehydration, sleep deprivation, dietary change, low humidity, and, high heat.........

Could also be contributed to over indulgence of intoxicating beverages

shroom · Post by **shroom** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:16 am

This post almost scared me. I live at 1,400 feet and go up and down our mountain to the store and work. I think I should be good.

Mojojita · Post by **Mojojita** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:08 pm

jcliff wrote:I think anynone that suffers altitude sickness at Burning Man probably is suffering from an overlaying case of "the nerves." 4,000 feet shouldn't affect anyone's body chemistry unless they have an overlaying case of meth addiction.

I definately feel the altitude every year on about the second day on playa. If I rest more and pace myself, it quickly goes away. I have noticed a correlation to the general bitchiness of others there too - I've never had a playa meltdown but have seen it many times and I think the altitude may have a lot to do with it by contributing to feelings of exhaustion. (In addition, of course, to sleep deprivation, increased exercize, heat, and over-stimualtion).

I am going to try to find a really good B vitamin complex and extra Iron to start taking a few weeks ahead to assist with red blood cell issues.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:27 pm

L-Carnitine is supposed to be good for that.
Cashews are loaded with it; that's why I munch on them while skiing.

Mojojita · Post by **Mojojita** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:52 pm

Great idea Dougly - I can't do that one though because I have a campmate that is deathly allergic to nuts - he starts wheezing if he walks through airspace where someone has opened a jar of peanut butter. So we have made our camp a "nut free zone" - (insert nut joke here). Since I buy all the food, I spend lots of time reading labels as peanut oil hides in a lot of foods.....

Post by **mdmf007** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:57 pm

Plumeria wrote:I am from Seattle..sea level. Wondering tips to help beat altitude sickness. It may seem silly to some, but, I know there will be radical difference for my body that rarely goes above 1000 feet!

Would it help to drive down early and stay a night in reno or some other city prior to heading out to the playa? Are there things I can drink (I know water duh!)? Anyone have any good things that have worked for them in the past?

I have never heard of anyone getting altitude sickness at Burningman or on the black rock desert. its less than 4000 feet difference.

14.696 psi at 71 degrees sea level in Seattle
12.93 psi at 71 degrees at Burningman.

I would have to agree that it is more likely nerves, or the drive in that is making some people queezy. Who knows though, some pulmonary compromised individuals suffer I am sure.

drink lots of water, and pace yourself, you have a week.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 5:39 pm

I certainly think it's possible, if you keep pushing yourself when you shouldn't.

I didn't think Denver could bother me, but I arrived exhausted, couldn't get enough sleep.
I did what I could, but I had reached the point that when I slept, I lost more oxygen.
I never got very sick, but I wasn't getting better.
Seemed like everyone in Denver has a sort of post-apocalyptic look, from sun and lack of water.
...Or maybe it's just the people I know?

I think most of us with some experience with altitude know to back off when we start feeling bad.
Otherwise, I prefer to be going nonstop out there, so always at the limits.
If you don't pay attention, I think you could overdo it easily.

The best I've ever felt was at 8000 feet with adequate acclimitization.
I wanted to stay there forever.

teardropper · Post by **teardropper** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 2:29 am

I live at 4200' so BRD is lower. But when I lived in the Midwest at 900' I would regularly go to Colorado's Front Range. Only once when I went to over 11,000' in less than 24 hours did I have a problem. And the cure for that was to lose a mile. Didn't repeat that. I would agree with those that say from sea level to 3900' shouldn't be a cause for much concern.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 5:54 pm

Mojojita wrote:
jcliff wrote:I think anynone that suffers altitude sickness at Burning Man probably is suffering from an overlaying case of "the nerves." 4,000 feet shouldn't affect anyone's body chemistry unless they have an overlaying case of meth addiction.
...
I have noticed a correlation to the general bitchiness of others there too - I've never had a playa meltdown but have seen it many times and I think the altitude may have a lot to do with it by contributing to feelings of exhaustion. (In addition, of course, to sleep deprivation, increased exercize, heat, and over-stimualtion).

I'm with you Mojo. At times the battle of getting to the playa or whatever just hits people sideways.

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:16 pm

So the point is if you personally are having problems, no matter the cause, get some rest, drink some water, and acclimate yourself to the heat/excitement/drugs/dust/altitude/whatever. Be smart enough to take care of your needs.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:32 pm

Something from my days in Treatment...

H....Hungry
A....Angry
L....Lonely
T....Tried

Never good to have one going on, but 2 or more and no one likes you very much for the time being.....

[/b]

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:06 am

ibdave wrote:Something from my days in Treatment...

H....Hungry
A....Angry
L....Lonely
T....Tried

Never good to have one going on, but 2 or more and no one likes you very much for the time being..... [/b]

I like that! That will be my camps way of saying "You need to cool you jets so drink some water, eat some food and rest a bit"

Altitude Sickness Tips

Altitude Sickness Tips

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