At what elevations do you begin to notice shortness of breath?

Question

At what elevations does a normal (not necessarily very fit, but not sick person either) begin to notice their breath getting short, or their heart working a bit harder. E.g. someone going from about sea level to 8,000 ft to see the Rockies... would it be that noticable? What about 5,000 ft?

Answer 1

Yes. If you live at sea level, you will most likely feel the oxygen deprivation at 8000 feet. Probably at 5000 feet as well. I have seen some sea-level-dwellers suffer severe affects of altitude sickness at 8000 to 10,000 foot elevations.

Oh, I just re-read your question. Are you planning a trip to the Rockies? You will feel the difference, particularly if you live at sea level. If you can acclimate slowly (spend a couple of days or more at elevations 1/2 the altitude of your final destination) that will help. Just drink fluids and give yourself a chance to catch your breath and you should acclimate fully to the altitude of say... Denver (5280') in a few days.

Answer 2

I was a normal, not necessarily very fit, but not sick person until I visited Peru 6 years ago. I was 49. Notice that it happens most often to those under 50 in the article referenced.
I flew from Houston (sea level) to Lima (sea level) to Cuzco (10,000 ft) and was in Cuzco for 3 days to acclimate. I had severe migraines those 3 days and thought it was just the cold weather. On the 4th day, I was going with the group to 13,500 ft and ended up on the floor of the bus unable to move and was barely breathing. The group went on and I went back down the mountain to Cuzco while the bus driver kept putting his finger under my nose to see if I was still breathing. I wasn't panicked or anything. Should have been i guess.
Anyway, it took me 4 days to remember my home phone number and I could barely move but I refused to go to a hospital there - it seemed that maybe I wouldn't ever get home if i did.
When i got home i had some tests and found out i have a congenital heart defect that i didn't know about and i had had a small stroke. Now even as high as 3500 ft can cause me considerable discomfort.
If you read up about altitude sickness, whether you have it or not can depend on where you are as well as how high up you are. There is also very little explanation for why it occurs. EX: some people may experience altitude sickness at 10,000 ft. in the Rockies but not in the Himalayans. Check out your heart and lungs before you go. At the first sign of distress seek help immediately. The day before this happened everyone kept telling me how blue my lips were. I should have been smarter

Answer 3

Along with staying hydrated, a good idea is "ocean nasal spray." Trust me. It is dry, thin air and nosebleeds are a strong possibility. Depending on where you are staying...go to Vail, have a couple of "Spaten Oktoberfests" sitting on the patio at Pepi's Mountain house, walk around the corner to bridge street, walk into the "Ore House," order the Chateaubriand (sp?) and have the Key lime pie for dessert. As far as noticing the effects of altitude and thin air, If you fly into Denver and you live at sea level, just take it easy and dont do much exercise. Drink heavily and eat heartily...You are on vacation...Just dont drink and drive.

Answer 4

i became in a motor vehicle twist of fate 2 an prolonged time in the past. approximately to circulate on the line on a down-ramp. On my left there became a hill. It became raining. I yielded, stopped, appeared by my left area view/rear view, even cranked the window down, caught my head out the window searching for oncoming site visitors. no longer something. Proceeded and the subsequent element I knew somebody hit me on my left (this occurred in Brooklyn and those acceleration lanes are no longer long). i finished upside-down contained in the motor vehicle staring on the sky and became fortunate I survived and that motor vehicle did no longer explode. Took me years in the previous I have been given at the back of the wheel yet i ultimately have been given my self assurance decrease back. in case you haven't any longer executed so, initiate by using domestically or maybe in a motor vehicle park. whenever you experience useful sufficient to hit the line, shop to the shrink, stay contained in the sluggish lane and consistently look at your rear/area view mirrors and shop the two palms on the wheel. shop sufficient distance between you and the motor vehicle in front. If somebody at the back of you thinks you're "going too sluggish" they are going to take the passing lane. in the event that they tailgate, placed your possibility lights fixtures on. Very useful fantastically at evening. they are going to get the message and the two carry decrease back or substitute lanes. I have been given my self assurance by using some miles to the prepare station and decrease back. Then I did the nail-biter - I-80. i became so annoying my adverse husband held onto the dashboard yet now if he's drained he falls asleep each and every time I force, lol. I additionally chew gum which looks to calm me if i've got faith annoying. good success.

Answer 5

You will definitely notice at 5000 feet(personal experience). Over a period of time, your body will adjust.

Answer 6

are you climbing or driving?
if you're just driving, no shortness of breath, but usually a headache. drink plenty of water; make sure you're hydrated the entire time.