Altitude sickness sneaks up on us. It comes as a surprise and if you're not aware of its possibilities you may think you are getting a flu. One of the most important things to do to prepare for altitude changes is to drink lots of water before your flight, during (even though it is a pain to go to the rest room so frequently, it is worth it), and especially when you arrive. It's important to keep yourself well hydrated. When you arrive and get your luggage and your transportation settled, your first thought should be "where can I buy two large gallons of water for my hotel room?" Keep your nasal passages clear and moist. Buy some saline solution that you can irrigate your nasal passages with, or make your own:
--Combine 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (non-iodized) with 8 ounces of non-chlorinated water ( or you can boil and cool regular water)
--Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
--Put in spray bottle, ear syringe, or cup it in your clean hands for a slight inhale just enough to fill nostrils then expel
After cleansing nasal passages inhale some therapeutic grade essential oils to help keep your airways open and free from pathogenic (yucky) organisms. Great oils for this are Raven, RC, Melaleuca and Eucalyptus to name a few. Lavender, once again, is one of the best treatments for altitude sickness. Taking a lavender bath once in your hotel room can do great wonders for you. Last year I had a severe case of altitude sickness. I flew from Philadelphia to Breckenridge Colorado and arrived within 7 hours.
