Altitude Sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is no laughing matter and thousands of visitors a year experience it during their stay in the high country.
O2Geaux is a new venture in Red River this winter. The Louisiana-based company will be renting oxygen generators to help people who are experiencing Altitude Sickness. The machines are available for rent at Red River Real Estate: contact Wendy Vigil at 575-425-1357.
The idea to rent O2 machines came about in the classic way: Necessity is the mother of invention. Troy Sharon owns Sylvan Learning Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, and lives below sea level in Lafayette Parish: -32 meters (-105 feet). When he first came to Red River “about 25 years ago” to go skiing, he had never seen snow. A retired football coach and an athlete all his life, his first skiing experience left him “very humble.” The experience of high altitude, however, came to pose a challenge.
Five years ago, Troy and his family came to Red River in the summer and loved it. They now visit three times a year, but a couple of years ago the altitude began “playing little tricks on me.” Troy had trouble sleeping and his children encountered altitude sickness.
Two years ago Troy’s parents started having a hard time. They loved Red River but told him that they probably could not visit again. A friend with a nightly rental unit at Ski View Condos was familiar with the problem and kept an oxygen generator in his condo. He suggested Troy’s parents try the generator. They did and it helped them out. Troy bought a machine and the family uses it with great results and Troy can sleep great.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
He brought the O2Geaux business to Red River and hopes that it will help people overcome the altitude problem and better enjoy their time in the mountains.
Altitude Sickness, also known as Mountain Sickness, has symptoms that have been described as feeling hungover: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of energy, and shortness of breath. Problems with sleep and loss of appetite may occur, too. Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation, getting better as your body adjusts to the altitude.
While a concentrator can be very helpful, be aware that it is not a medical device. It’s not intended to replace a medical doctor’s advice or to prevent or cure any illnesses.
Anyone pregnant or suffering from a medically diagnosed illness should consult a physician before using it.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention.