Nausea and high altitude running. (The Clinic).I attempted the Pike's Peak Marathon last year but had to drop out due to severe nausea and vomiting Nausea and Vomiting Definition Nausea is the sensation of being about to vomit. Vomiting, or emesis, is the expelling of undigested food through the mouth. . I'd love to try it again. Any thoughts? Alan Mason Hudson, NY The symptoms of acute altitude sickness altitude sickness: see decompression sickness. altitude sickness or mountain sickness Acute reaction to a change from low altitudes to altitudes above 8,000 ft (2,400 m). (AMS AMS - Andrew Message System ) include nausea, vomiting, headache, and severe fatigue. AMS can occur at altitudes of 2,500 to 3,000 meters, which is lower than Pike's Peak. Endurance athletes are no less likely to experience this than sedentary individuals. Some individuals are more prone to AMS because they do not adapt readily to high altitude Conventionally, an altitude above 10,000 meters (33,000 feet). See also altitude. . Acclimatizing gradually (no more than an additional 300 meters per day above 3,000 meters) may help, as might several drugs, including acetazolamide and dexamethosone, but only under medical supervision. Melvin Williams, Ph.D. Norfolk, VA In addition to altitude sickness, there are many factors that can contribute to nausea and vomiting while running and many runners suffer the consequences during marathons and ultra-marathons even where altitude is not an issue. High altitude can contribute to these problems. * Dehydration--When you are running hard (up Pike's Peak at any speed is hard) it is often tough to drink enough fluids. This is compounded by any preexisting pre·ex·ist or pre-ex·ist v. pre·ex·ist·ed, pre·ex·ist·ing, pre·ex·ists v.tr. To exist before (something); precede: Dinosaurs preexisted humans. v.intr. mild dehydration. If you had just traveled to the race, you may have been a little dry before it even started. The altitude also contributes to dehydration since the humidity is so low. * Low glycogen glycogen (glī`kəjən), starchlike polysaccharide (see carbohydrate) that is found in the liver and muscles of humans and the higher animals and in the cells of the lower animals. stores--Sugar is the fuel that makes the body go. When this runs low, your body will use other sources, such as fat for energy, but it still needs glycogen to prime the pump. At a greater level of intensity, you will deplete de·plete v. 1. To use up something, such as a nutrient. 2. To empty something out, as the body of electrolytes. your glycogen stores long before the usual 20-mile bonk. * Altitude--Even if you are running at what would be an easy pace on a flat road at sea level, this may be an intense pace going uphill at altitude. At greater intensity, blood is shunted from the gastrointestinal tract gastrointestinal tract n. The part of the digestive system consisting of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Gastrointestinal tract . Absorption will be slowed and nausea can be intense. * Level of exertion--It is not uncommon to experience nausea during and after an intense workout. * Low sodium--This is more likely to be a problem in ultra-endurance events, but you do want to make sure that you replace electrolytes along with carbohydrates and water. Cathy Fieseler, M.D. Cleveland, OH The most effective approach for a successful performance in the Pike's Peak marathon is to spend some time at a moderate altitude getting acclimated. Even a week or two at 7,000 feet, with some climbs to higher levels, would make the Pike's Peak effort much more enjoyable. Prepare as you would for any marathon, but with more hill work (up and down) and altitude acclimatization, if at all possible. Without it, Pike's Peak can be a nightmare. Jack Daniels, Ph.D. Cortland, NY |
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