Adjusting to the city’s altitude (Denver, Salida: live in, triathlon, cabin)

[tcm1913]

Hello,

I will be visiting Denver for the first time from North Carolina. I’ve heard stories of people getting sick in Denver because of the altitude. That light bulb flash as to why Denver is called the Mile High City. I’m a healthy person and don’t have any health issues. To those who visited or live in Denver, have you ever experienced this? If so, what remedies work for you to cure altitude sickness?

[Tripicana]

Drink WATER, not alcohol.

[davebarnes]

Drink beer. We have so many micro-breweries.

[Stankonia]

The elevation can hit people differently, but most of the time you're fine if you drink more water than normal, and give yourself a little time to adjust (a day or so) before going to the mountains

[bluescreen73]

Honestly it's only 5,000'. Your odds of experiencing altitude sickness are extremely low. You might be short of breath, your nose and eyes might feel dry, and you might have a dull headache. That's the extent of it for a vast majority of people.

As Stankonia said, wait a day or two before going up into the foothills if that's in your plans.

[modest]

Originally Posted by Tripicana

Drink WATER, not alcohol.

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Drink beer. We have so many micro-breweries.

Yes.

[modest]

The times I've seen it hit people hardest are those that tried to push themselves too hard. My SIL, for instance, strained herself during skiing at 9' ft, didn't drink enough water, and fell ill in the evening when she pulled a muscle.

It took me about a week or two to adjust when I initially moved out here. All that really means is that I had to take a few walk breaks during my 3-4 mile runs to catch my breath. Now when that happens, it just means I'm out of shape. I never experienced altitude sickness though. Nose bleeds, yes. Moisturize and lubricate all the things.

[hikernut]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Drink beer. We have so many micro-breweries.

Excellent advice.

Avoid rugby and triathlons, and you should be good to go.

[StealthRabbit]

Drink Lots of water!
No previous health issues, should have no problem @5000ft -10000ft. But... What are your plans? Vigorous hiking or biking at 8000ft + might tucker you out a bit.

I know many 80 year olds who live in or visit Colorado specifically for vigorous outdoor activities at 8000ft+ .

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/moun...article_em.htm

Consider using nasal lubricant, as it is very common to get (serious) nose bleeds in higher altitude and drier climate. I just use Vaseline, but if I forget... I'll be very sorry. Easier to be proactive, than to have to treat, and maintain after having a few nosebleeds. Use a nasal spray for your flight (if arriving via air)

https://www.healthline.com/health/co...treat-dry-nose

[Kathy884]

I've never had any issues in Denver. Might be a little more winded doing steps, but that's about it. For me, the magic mark where I really have to be careful is 8500, 9000, 10,000 feet. For example Breckenridge is really high, and it's wise for me to spend a full day in Denver before venturing there. If I have visiting several places in Colorado and it is reasonable to go from low to high I do that. One week trip I did I started with two nights in Colorado Spring, then two nights in Salida, ending with three nights in Crested Butte (the highest place of the three by quite a bit).

I do as a precaution stay away from alcohol and drink lots of water. I do that even on a plane where they make cabin pressure similar to 8000 feet I hear.