THE RAVEN SKI CLUB

ALTITUDE   SICKNESS

Just arrived in your resort? Feeling groggy? If you are in the higher resorts in the Alps (Tignes, Val Thorens), or in parts of the states then you could be one of the one third of visitors staying above 2500m who are estimated to be suffering from "Altitude Sickness". Few resorts in Europe have accommodation this high and so most people will be okay. Of course, you may ski higher than this but at night you generally return to the resort. In the US things are different - there are parts where even the valley floor is well over this height - so take it carefully!

Altitude Sickness can affect you whether you are young or old, fit or not-so-fit, and is caused by lack of oxygen in thin mountain air. The oxygen content of the blood can be measured by special equipment: over 98% is normal at sea level, whilst below 95% is normal is some higher parts of the world - get below about 90% and you start seeing altitude sickness.

Altitude Sickness in ski resorts can vary from mild (known technically as 'Acute Mountain Sickness' or AMS), to severe (known as 'High Altitude Pulmonary Edema' or HAPE). There are two more forms of Altitude Sickness: High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Retinal Haemorrhages (HARH) - both seen mainly in mountaineers and unlikely in skiers.

Symptoms of AMS are generally flu-like - or are often compared to a hangover - and include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and trouble sleeping. It's mostly experienced in the first few days and symptoms usually disappear by day three or four.

HAPE is much more serious and is potentially fatal if left untreated: again it can affect anyone. Symptoms are coughing, trouble breathing, and shortness of breath - it looks and feels like pneumonia, and sufferers may show slurring speech, erratic actions or irrational behaviour.

Whether you suffer from AMS or HAPE depends on the altitude, how quickly you get there, how energetic you are being, and any prior acclimatisation. Some people are more likely to suffer than others and some suffer repeatedly on gaining altitude. AMS usually shows itself within up to 2 days of height gain, whilst HAPE can take up to 4 days.

Most people with mild AMS get better by themselves - but if you have moderate or severe symptoms see a doctor. Things that help to avoid Altitude Sickness generally and to treat mild cases include:

Avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills, coffee, etc Taking it easy for the first few days. Drinking plenty of fluids. Once you think you are drinking enough water, double it! If necessary return to lower altitude. Going down will always relieve the symptoms.

Surprisingly physical conditioning at sea level does not help!

BARRY EGER EDITOR RAVEN NEWS

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