Why Should People Drink Tons Of Water When Ascending To Higher Elevations?

Ascending to higher elevations can result in altitude sickness, a condition caused by the body's reaction to higher altitudes. According to the University of Alabama Birmingham Medicine, most people experience altitude sickness symptoms between 7,000 and 12,000 feet. You can prevent or alleviate the symptoms by gradually acclimatizing to higher altitudes and taking certain precautions against reactions such as dehydration. Your body requires double your normal fluid intake as it reacts to the environmental conditions of higher altitudes.

Altitude Sickness

The environment in higher altitudes -- which can include extreme cold, low humidity, decreased air pressure and increased radiation -- causes certain reactions in your body that range from discomfort to death. The most serious of altitude sickness symptoms is hypoxia, a condition caused by decreased oxygen levels. Other symptoms are dehydration, headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and vomiting. Failure to respond appropriately to the symptoms can lead to more serious and potentially fatal progressions of the illness.

Dehydration and Higher Elevations

As you ascend to higher elevations, the environment causes significant water loss in your body. Climate extremes at higher altitudes -- ranging from extremely hot days to freezing nights -- combined with low humidity, decreased air pressure and strong winds alter your breathing patterns and cause you to inhale large amounts of dry air. Less oxygen at higher altitudes forces you to compensate by breathing more rapidly. These conditions can quickly cause dehydration.

Symptoms

If you fail to replace the body fluids lost during acclimatization to higher altitudes, you could begin to see the symptoms of dehydration, which include thirst, dry and sticky mouth, decreased urine output, lack of tears when crying, fatigue or sleepiness, dry skin, headache, constipation and lightheadedness. The symptoms of severe dehydration, which requires immediate medical attention, include extreme thirst, lack of sweat and urination, sunken eyes, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever and, in the worse cases, delirium, unconsciousness and death.

Prevention

You can prevent dehydration by drinking about double the amount of water you normally drink. Drink about 3 to 4 quarts of water daily. Avoid beverages with caffeine and alcohol since these drinks contribute to dehydration. You should experience frequent urination and your urine should be clear.

Tips and Warnings

People with heart disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes and pulmonary conditions are at increased risk for altitude sickness and complications of their medical conditions. In addition, dehydration can affect your ability to acclimatize to higher altitudes.