Aspen altitude test
This quick check is based on the symptom scoring used on Oxygen Now’s original FAQ. It is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Good to know
Clear answers for the questions travelers ask most when arriving in the mountains.
Self-report tools can help, but headaches and shortness of breath can have many causes. The best next step is an evaluation by a medical professional who is experienced with altitude illness and other medical conditions.
Up to 40% of people who ascend to around 8,000 feet can experience acute mountain sickness. Aspen sits at approximately 7,908 feet, so even healthy visitors may notice symptoms while acclimating.
Symptoms can begin within a few hours to a few days after ascent. They may include headache, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, lightheadedness, and disrupted sleep or nightmares. Sometimes only one symptom appears.
Ascending gradually is ideal. When that is not possible, take the first day slowly, limit exertion, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol, sedatives, and sleeping pills. A clinician may recommend medication or oxygen depending on your health and travel plans.
Oxygen still makes up about 21% of the air, but lower atmospheric pressure at elevation means less oxygen moves into your bloodstream with each breath. Descending or breathing supplemental oxygen can increase the oxygen available to your body.
Oxygen therapy
What oxygen can do, how to get it, and how long you may need it.
Rest, lower exertion, and clinician-directed medicines may help. Oxygen and descent are the most direct ways to address low oxygen at altitude. Small recreational cans generally do not supply enough oxygen for sustained symptom relief.
Medical oxygen is highly concentrated and typically requires a prescription. Oxygen Now can coordinate an evaluation and arrange the equipment that fits your needs, including portable and bedside options.
Many otherwise healthy people improve within about four days, but acclimatization varies. If you have more severe symptoms, plan for medical guidance and access to oxygen throughout your stay.
Your doctor or an Oxygen Now specialist can help determine that. Some healthy adults use oxygen for 20–30 minutes, three times a day while adjusting. Sleeping with oxygen may help, while people with lung conditions may need it more often.
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