Altitude Sickness: What It Is and When to Get Medical Help At Nadora Urgent Care In Greeley
- Dec 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Whether you’re a visitor headed into the Colorado Rockies or a local spending time at higher elevations, altitude sickness is something to take seriously. Even healthy people can feel its effects — and without proper care, mild symptoms can become dangerous.
At Nadora Urgent Care in Greeley, we regularly treat patients experiencing the effects of altitude sickness. If you’re feeling off after a quick ascent or a recent arrival from lower elevations, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness — also called acute mountain sickness (AMS) — happens when your body struggles to adjust to decreased oxygen levels at higher elevations, typically above 8,000 feet. Greeley sits at about 4,700 feet, but many people who visit from sea level can begin to feel symptoms at or just above this elevation, especially when traveling quickly into the mountains.
Altitude sickness ranges from mild to severe and can affect anyone — regardless of age or fitness level.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear within 6 to 24 hours after reaching higher altitudes and can include:
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath with exertion
In mild cases, these symptoms can feel like a hangover or the early stages of the flu. But if ignored, altitude sickness can progress to more serious forms like high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) — both of which are medical emergencies.
Who’s at Risk?
Anyone can develop altitude sickness, but the risk is higher if:
You travel to high elevation quickly (by car or plane)
You have a history of AMS
You exert yourself physically before acclimating
You’re dehydrated
You consume alcohol or sedatives shortly after arriving
Even lifelong athletes are not immune — acclimatization is about time, not just fitness.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
If you’re heading to higher elevations — especially areas over 8,000 feet — preparation can help reduce your risk:
Ascend gradually when possible, allowing 1–2 days to adjust
Hydrate well before and during your trip
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals in the first 24 hours
Limit strenuous activity until your body adjusts
Consider preventive medications if recommended by a healthcare provider
Listen to your body. If you start feeling unwell after gaining elevation, don’t push through it — act early.
When to Visit Nadora Urgent Care in Greeley
You don’t have to be in the mountains to feel the effects of altitude change. Many people start feeling symptoms while still in the Greeley area — especially if they’ve just arrived from lower elevations.
Visit Nadora Urgent Care in Greeley if you or a loved one experiences:
Moderate to severe headache that doesn't improve
Nausea or vomiting lasting more than a few hours
Shortness of breath at rest
Chest tightness or persistent dizziness
Confusion or unsteady walking
Symptoms that worsen with time instead of improving
Our providers can assess your symptoms, check your oxygen levels, and rule out other potential causes. If you're showing signs of altitude sickness, we’ll create a treatment plan which may include oxygen therapy, hydration, anti-nausea medication, and symptom monitoring.
Get Relief Before You Head Higher
If you’re visiting Colorado, planning a trip to the mountains, or returning from high elevation and feeling unwell, don’t wait. Altitude sickness is treatable — but only if caught early.
📆 Open 7 days a week with extended evening hours
🩺 Walk-ins and same-day appointments available
💙 Your health is our priority — from sea level to summit.
