Ibuprofen reduces altitude sickness, US study says
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 12:57 am
Climbing, hiking, mountaineering forum
http://www.summitpost.org/phpBB3/
https://www.summitpost.org/phpBB3/ibuprofen-reduces-altitude-sickness-us-study-says-t61681.html
philoparts wrote:The study shows using Ibuprofen as a preventative measure, not necessarily a treatment after symptom onset. Of course, the treatment for AMS is fluids/food, NSAIDS, O2 and descent. So, I'd say if you had experienced AMS before, maybe not a bad thing to try Ibuprofen as a preventative before next time at altitude.
radson wrote:philoparts wrote:The study shows using Ibuprofen as a preventative measure, not necessarily a treatment after symptom onset. Of course, the treatment for AMS is fluids/food, NSAIDS, O2 and descent. So, I'd say if you had experienced AMS before, maybe not a bad thing to try Ibuprofen as a preventative before next time at altitude.
I think we should highlight that the treatment or cure for AMS is first and foremost descent. And in the context of more higher altitude pursuits, it is my understanding that Ibuprofen, addresses the headaches caused by AMS and it definitely works in the context of an anti-inflammatory but in doing so is also masking the affliction as does Dexamethesone.
As such Ibuprofen should be used with the caution that the afflicted person may still be at risk of further illness, especially if they decide to continue to ascend based on feeling better from a reduction in the headache.
Too each his or her own, know your body, know your drugs, and enjoy the pursuit!
Buz Groshong wrote:The study says it reduces the symptoms; not really news. Nsaids have all been used effectively for headaches. Thanks for posting the link, though.
Diego Sahagún wrote:Mark, perhaps you could add in your article Ibuprofen as a drug to take if having altitude sickness (high altitude), you only have recommended it for pain...