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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Fatigue, Shortness Of Breath, Dizziness At Elevations. Oxygen Supplements Help. Treatment?

I am a healthy 51 year old male, but I have trouble at elevations above 6500 feet or so. I occasionally need to travel to such places. Simply passing through does not present a problem, but if I spend any time there I experience fatigue , shortness of breath, light-headedness and dizziness . I usually pass through by car and have no trouble, but I am afraid that if I am detained by weather, car trouble, or flight delays, I could become very sick. I ve been told that supplimental oxygen would alleviate the symptoms, but I have no health insurance and no regular doctor. I am otherwise very healthy. I suppose my question is would it be practical to carry oxygen in case the need arises, and how is such a unit obtained? I live in the XXXX and have lived at or very near sea level my entire life.
Tue, 21 Aug 2012
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Your symptoms are suggestive of High Altitutude sickness though it genarally occurs at an altitude beyound 8000 ft. It is generally seen in mountaineers. It happens because of low oxygen in the air. It is advisable that you don`t halt at high altitude and in case of situations mentioned by you, climb down to a lower altitude and spend night there. You should take plenty of water, have regular meals and avoid alcohol. You may carry portable oxygen cylinder which are available in the market for sale and for rental as well.
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Fatigue, Shortness Of Breath, Dizziness At Elevations. Oxygen Supplements Help. Treatment?

Your symptoms are suggestive of High Altitutude sickness though it genarally occurs at an altitude beyound 8000 ft. It is generally seen in mountaineers. It happens because of low oxygen in the air. It is advisable that you don`t halt at high altitude and in case of situations mentioned by you, climb down to a lower altitude and spend night there. You should take plenty of water, have regular meals and avoid alcohol. You may carry portable oxygen cylinder which are available in the market for sale and for rental as well.