Re: [Philmont]: Philmont Altitude Acclimation

Some thoughts on altitude:
Much of the science here is still not understood, but the best research would support the following:
Hypoxia (too little oxygen) is part of the problem but not the whole story. The oxygen levels of people who do show altitude sickness is not much different from those who don't. In addition, while blood oxygen levels will correspond directly with altitude there seems to be a time component at this hypoxic level that is important. In other words if it were only acute hypoxia, it would happen much quicker.
Acclimatization is also interesting. To achieve maximum acclimatization requires weeks, and some people NEVER acclimatize. Nevertheless, descent for as little as 12 hours seems to help symptoms. There are a whole host of physiologic changes I will not discuss.
Diamox has many effects. It does speed acclimatization and is therefore best used prophyllactically. It is used in treatment of mild cases only, helping the body to "acclimatize on the move". It is not effective for moderate to severe cases. It is a diuretic and this IS part of the treatment of High Altitude Headache and mild AMS. Caffeine can be effective as well.
I am not aware of any research supporting vitamin therapies.
The treks are designed to keep most people asymptomatic. A couple days of "high altitude touring" is adequate for most to get the most out f their own bodies acclimatization for the purposes of most trks. Remember that the highest points are always "up and downs", ie Baldy.
John Sucher, MD
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Guy Murtha
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 7:25 AM
  Subject: [Philmont]: Philmont Altitude Acclimation

  Our Troop is currently planning an August 2004 trek and there is a question regarding the amount of time that should be allocated for the crew members and adult advisors to become acclimated to the 6000+ ft altitude since we live virtually at sea level.

  The planning coordinator is allowing 48 hours (which is about the same as he did for our 2001 trek). One adult advisor had to be removed from the trail on the 2001 trek due to inadequate time at altitude (he later rejoined his crew after 3 days at the base camp).

  To prevent a reoccurrence of this, would it be advisable to increase the time to become acclimated from 2 days to 3 or 4 days?

  Guy Murtha
  AMS Troop 49
  Ossining, NY

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Received on Sun Sep 21 19:44:51 2003