Portable oxygen 'can help relieve altitude sickness'
Those planning to travel to high-altitude locations in the near future should invest in some portable oxygen to help them battle altitude sickness, it has been claimed.
Dr Charles Tuft, an altitude expert with Alpine Mobile Physicians, told Vail Daily that it can work as a preventative measure and ensure climbers do not feel unwell the higher they go.
He said that sufferers who use pure oxygen note a significant improvement in their condition quite quickly, with continued use recommended until the illness passes.
"Treatment of altitude illness usually involves oxygen. Within the first few minutes of oxygen therapy most patients feel dramatically better. But, they must remain on oxygen overnight to solidify the cure," Dr Tuft told the newspaper.
Politicians in Nepal recently demonstrated the benefits of portable oxygen canisters by using them while staging a cabinet meeting on Mount Everest to highlight the damage climate change is having on the Himalayas.
Posted by Daniel Ohio
23/12/2009 19:49:46
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