What effect does elevation have on IPF?

[Guest guest]

My family is considering going to Banff in Canada for spring break and

would like to know it's effect. Banff is at 4800 ft.

I am not on O2 at this point as my meds seem to have given me relief

and I can now even climb stairs w/o much grief.

Not that I am going to be mountain climbing or anything. Just curious

folks experience.

Thanks

[Guest guest]

Todd,

I have some experience in this area as I travel frequently to Boone NC to visit my son who lives there. Boone is at over 3000 feet. At home I use supplemental O2, 3 liters per minute at rest and 4-6 on exertion.

When I go to Boone (I actually just got home from driving my son back there which is why I'm stil up) I typically need 4 liters at rest and 6-8 on exertion. If I'm staying several days, usually by the third day my body adjusts somewhat and I need a bit less O2 but still more than I need at home.

In general I am fatigued more easily and am forbidden by my doctors from exercising (treadmill etc) while I'm at that high an elevation.

Since you're not even on supplemental O2 yet, I'd talk to my doctor and see what he/she says. When you go, just take it a bit easier than you usually would till you see how you react. Also PUSH FLUIDS! Drink lots of water, this will increase your blood volume triggering your body to manufacture more red blood cells which carry O2. This is what helps your body acclimate to higher elevations over a few days so help it along by drinking lots of fluids!

Hope you have a great vacation!

Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06

"For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."

What effect does elevation have on IPF?

My family is considering going to Banff in Canada for spring break and would like to know it's effect. Banff is at 4800 ft.I am not on O2 at this point as my meds seem to have given me relief and I can now even climb stairs w/o much grief.Not that I am going to be mountain climbing or anything. Just curious folks experience.Thanks