Myth 1: All oxygen administration is the same.
Oxygen bars are a novelty in Colorado and are not intended to treat any medical condition. Renting an oxygen concentrator from a non-medical company—without a prescription or a medical assessment from a licensed provider—is a dangerous practice. These services are unregulated, and improper use can lead to worsening AMS or other life-threatening conditions that can mimic AMS.
Myth 2: Boost “oxygen in cans” can treat AMS.
These products are sold in many Colorado stores as a novelty, but they will not help with AMS.
Myth 3: IV hydration or overhydration will cure AMS.
If your urine is clear to pale yellow, you are well hydrated. Drinking excessive water or receiving IV hydration when already well hydrated can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances and may worsen certain chronic medical conditions.
Myth 4: Being athletic or in “great shape” protects you from developing AMS.
Being athletic does not protect you from AMS; in fact, high levels of exertion at altitude can increase your risk for HAPE.
Myth 5: “I have been to altitude before without a problem, so I am protected from altitude illness.”
Previous successful trips to altitude do not guarantee protection from altitude illness on future visits. Even people who were born and raised at high altitude, or who have previously acclimatized without issues, can develop altitude illness if they return to high elevations after spending time at lower altitudes or sea level.
Myth 6: Older people are more at risk for AMS.
In reality, healthy individuals over age 50 are at lower risk for AMS. Anyone—from babies to the elderly—can develop AMS.
Myth 7: Diamox (acetazolamide) just masks the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Diamox does not simply hide symptoms—it actively speeds up your body’s natural acclimatization by stimulating breathing and helping you adapt to lower oxygen levels. It is one of the main medications used to prevent and treat acute mountain sickness (AMS) and does not cause rebound symptoms if stopped.
Myth 9: Caffeine should be avoided at altitude.
Caffeine, in moderation, is safe to use at altitude. It can help with acclimatization by stimulating breathing and alertness. Avoiding caffeine abruptly may even cause headaches, especially for regular users.
Myth 10: Alcohol helps keep you warm and is safe at altitude.
Alcohol does not help with acclimatization and can actually worsen dehydration and impair your body’s ability to adapt to altitude. It should be avoided, especially in the first 24–48 hours at high elevation.
Myth 11: You can “tough out” altitude sickness with willpower.
Altitude illness is a physiological response to low oxygen, not a test of mental strength. Ignoring symptoms or pushing through severe illness can lead to life-threatening complications. The safest response to worsening symptoms is to stop ascending or descend.
Myth 12: Altitude sickness only occurs at extreme elevations.
Symptoms of AMS can develop at elevations as low as 4,000 feet (1,200 meters), though they are more common above 8,000 feet. Anyone ascending rapidly to moderate elevations should be aware of the risks.