Altitude Sickness in NM
 

We are planning a trip to ABQ. Santa Fe and Taos. I have read a lot about Altitude Sickness in this area. Has anyone experienced this? There is a medication to alleviate this problem but I would prefer not to take it.

I don't have any help for you, but I will tell you that Santa Fe was the only place I've ever experienced altitude sickness. I've been in higher altitudes (eg the Junfrau in Switzerland), but I only got altitude sickness in Santa Fe. Maybe a knowledgable person could tell us why.

I'm a "flatlander" and have been to Santa Fe and Taos many times...and you should be fine. Santa Fe is only about 7000 ft and is unlikely to produce altitude sickness.

You may, however, experience some shortness of breath the first day or too if you do extensive exercise..like running.

Altitude sickness is more prevalent at higher elevations ..like some of the 10,000 ft ski areas in Colorado

Flatlander here too, Orlando.
The only time I ever had altitude sickness was at Pikes Peak in Colorado, 14k feet.
I think you should be fine in NM. If you go to a higher elevation and feel a headache, dizziness, disorientation, go to a lower elevation, you will feel better immediately.

Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. When I was in Santa Fe, everyone advised us of this. It really helps, too.

The fact that you are anticipating altitude sickness means that you will be prepared to deal with it if you feel the effects of the altitude. I always get a terrible headache when I go from sea level where I live to Flagstaff, Arizona which is 7,000 feet en route to the Grand Canyon, but I know I am going to get this so I schedule an extra day at the front end of my trip to allow my body to adjust. I start drinking extra fluids and take Ibuprofen with me so that when the headache hits, I am ready. Sometimes it takes me 24 hours to 36 hours to get past it, but it does pass. At the end of the trip, it always amazes me that I can go from 7,000 plus feet of altitude to Phoenix to home at sea level as quickly as scheduling allows and never feel the effects of being at sea level again.
As for medication, if it's something other than Ibuprofen, I'd say forget it.
Jane

"Adjusting" is a good word to use. Visitors to New Mexico who drive in via an automobile, just "naturally" adjust, as the altitude change is gradual. It is when "low-landers" fly in, that some have problems, especially if they go directly to Santa Fe, or other areas over 7,000ft. in elevation. My best advice is to spend a day or two in Albuquerque, (which varies from 4,800ft to about 6,000ft within it's city limits), and then take on the higher altitudes. One's ears will usually plug, or "pop" above 8,000ft or so. If this occurs, just lower your head, and swallow. Chewing gum helps too.:-)
I would bring altitude medicine with you, but not take it unless you are feeling "funny." Such a scientific term I know. Most tourists enjoy the Sandia Peak Tramway to the top of Albuquerque's 10,000+ft. Sandia Mountains. Great 100-mile views on a clear day, and restaurants at the base, and top. At this altitude, even we who live in Albuquerque can feel the effects. especially shortness of breath. Anyone who is not in very good health should not try high-altitude hiking. Albuquerque's "Old Town," Santa Fe, and Taos/Taos Pueblo are all wonderful walking areas, but that is why the wise Spanish had their lovely, central plazas...to rest under a shade tree, and watch the diverse people go by! :-) Enjoy your visit, and just use common sense.

We're Pennsylvania flatlanders who were fine in Santa Fe (we flew in) and then the morning after we arrived in Taos I thought I had the flu-- headache & over-all miserableness. Our B&B landlord said I was reacting to the altitude, to take it very easy & I'd be fine the next day-- I did, he was right, & I was. Oddly, never experienced that again on subsequent visits out west and to the Canadian Rockies.

Hello stanjudy, I did get altitude Sickness in NM. I loved ABQ and the Sandia Mts, Old Town etc. I don't know if I got ill from being just in ABQ and surrounding areas or whether it was from the Sandia Mts. To long ago so I don't remember. BTW, I am a flatlander also, from the SF/Bay Area. I flew into ABQ. I do tend to sometimes have a problem with altitude sickness.

I am a flatlander. I had no trouble in Santa Fe, but when we went to Bandalier National Monumnet - I don't know what the altitude difference is, but there was quite a climb - I could not catch my breath on the climb to the caves.

I have had problems with altitude sickness prior to a trip to Santa Fe so I did some homework and it worked. On the other hand, my kids and husband never had any of the problems I had.

The key seems to be to stay hydrated, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. I did this and had no problems. I started drinking water on the flight there and kept a water bottle with me at all times. The last night there I did have a glass of wine and I limited by caffeine to 1/2 cup of coffee in the mornings.

I will be taking a trip to Albuquerque from California. I'm checking things out before a possible move. I will be driving. I am a little concerned about altitude sickness. Sounds like I should adjust fine. I'm mid 40's and in decent health. I did experience a little shortness of breath and dizziness when in Flagstaff not too long ago. I was only there over night so I didn't have a chance to adjust before descending. Just wondering how to avoid getting sick with a longer stay.

I don't think altitude sickness has anything to do with a certain area, unless that area has less oxygen at a given altitude vs. some other area at the same altitude/elevation.

Altitude sickness is not well understood as to cause. A person can be find for five trips and sick on the sixth. If your lungs are damaged in anyway from smoking or have a cold, etc., you may have a greater potential. It is not caused by a "lack of oxygen" - pretty of oxygen here - but rather by a lack of atmospheric pressure to drive the oxygen into your blood. Our lungs are not as efficient at altitude so we locals have about 20% more white blood cells. Takes about a day per thousand feet difference to adjust.

The old advice of lots of fluids (no booze) and take it easy is about the best you can do.

However, altitude sickness should not be taken lightly because, in rare case, people die. If having severe problems seek medical attention.

I have never had a problem in Santa Fe or Taos, only in CO, at 8500' and above.

That fact you or anyone else has not had problems in Santa Fe or Taos means absolutely nothing. And certainly cannot be extended to the op as any assurance that she will not have a problem. The probability is good that she will not but no guarantee nor for you the next time.

Altitude sickness is absolutely individual. If anyone has any sort of lung or heart problems - or has ever smoked - they re much more likely to be subject to it. But even relatively healthy people can experience it at fairly low altitudes. The key is to keep you activity level at or below normal for the first few days - since any extra exertion can lead to your feeling lightheaded.

Rules are:

Stay well-hydrated
AVoid alcohol
Stick to usual or lower level of activity

If you are still a little uncomfortable after a full day or so - or very uncomfortable at all - consult a doctor. Also be aware that some people have bad dreams/nightmares - related to having more trouble breathing.

If you have ever had discomfort at a fairly low altitude (which this is) see a doctor about it before you go. Many people who usually drive everywhere - then get here and start to walk a lot more - you may well notice the difference.

fmpden,
Well, I thought I knew what I meant. LOL
Here is a good link.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1114067/

Just another plug for drinking lots of water. Lots of good advice here.

Have been to New Mexico a number of times, along with other areas with altitude, and basically thought I knew the drill. However, it can creep up on you, and you might not notice until you are really feeling crappy. This happened to me recently on a business trip to Denver.

Fortunately, my coworkers there picked up on my headache, lethargy, and mental fuzziness, and made me start drinking water. Lots of water. It was a miracle cure.

So - don't wait to be thirsty. And as has already been suggested, alcohol will pack a real punch, so cut way back on consumption.

Enjoy your trip, it's a great area.

As skiers, we often deal with altitude. Over the years, we have learned that altitude causes difficulty because it is dehydrating, so we:
drink lots of water
avoid alcohol & caffeine (both also dehydrating) the first two days
take an aspirin every morning and evening (with our MD's OK, of course) to thin the blood and improve oxygenation