Does staying in a windowless room have any effect on altitude sickness?
I'm planning to stay in a windowless room in La Paz, Bolivia for around 5 days. It's significantly cheaper than the comparable room with windows, and to be honest, the lack of windows for a short period like this does not bother me at all as long as the price/quality ratio is fine. My only concern was whether this would have any effect at all in the altitude sickness I may have developed at that part of the journey? If opening windows actually makes sense in getting more oxygen or otherwise reducing the effects of altitude sickness, then I'm alright with paying more, but if those two are irrelevant, then I'll go with the cheaper option.
Best Answer
There are a lot of online resources about altitude sickness prevention. Like TripAdvisor or the NHS (National Health Services from the UK government). They all give similar advices, which include, among others:
- Avoid strenuous activities in the first 24/48 hours
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine
Hydrate yourself more often than you're used to.
I couldn't find an online resource which mentions windowless room as a measure against altitude sickness. If it was effective, probably someone or some health agency would have suggested it.
I suggest you to pick the cheaper windowless room and take other more conventional altitude sickness prevention measures.
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Does fresh air help altitude sickness?
When symptoms are moderate, improvement will take place within 24 hours. Continue down further, below 4,000 feet, if symptoms are more severe. While descending, the person suffering the symptoms should try to minimize any exertion and should also be given fresh air in the form of oxygen if it is available.Does ventilation increase with altitude?
Hyperventilation is one of the most important features of acclimatization to high altitude. Resting ventilation at extreme altitudes increases up to fourfold and exercise ventilation for a given work level increases to the same extent.Is altitude sickness caused by lack of oxygen?
The lack of oxygen can cause altitude sickness. Altitude sickness generally occurs at altitudes of 8,000 feet and above. People who aren't accustomed to these heights are most vulnerable. Symptoms include headache and insomnia.What is Altitude Sickness ?
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