Chest congestion after hiking

[alcmena924]

Today I took a very strenuous hike up from the shore of Crater Lake in Oregon. The hike is a 1.1 mile-long trail and is a 1,000-foot change in elevation -- the shore is about 6,100 feet and the top of the trail is about 7,100 (I live at 4,500 feet or so). I knew I was out of shape, but not this bad. Very soon after starting the (very steep) hike, My heart rate was way above what I would consider a safe pace even for aerobic exercise and I got a nose bleed -- the first of my entire life (I'm 28). I had to stop frequently along the way to catchy my breath and slow my heart rate. I felt like I was going to pass out. Now I'm feeling a tad congested -- sort of like how I feel when I'm getting a chest cold. It's not painful and I'm not wheezy. I wouldn't even notice if it weren't for the hike. I do not smoke and the problem with the hike seemed to be limited to my breathing/heart rate, because my legs don't hurt. Is this a normal reaction to such a strenuous hike for someone who doesn't exercise enough? Is it just because I was at such a high elevation or should I be calling a doctor tomorrow?

[Dr Vinod]

You sure can do, improve your fitness,acclimatise and take all the precautions. Take care!

[alcmena924]

I'm definitely OK at my own altitude. But the only one of those symptoms I had was the rapid heart rate and a little congestion afterward, so I feel better. Thanks for your help. (It's too bad I had such a strong reaction to the hike. It really is one of the most beautiful places on earth and I wish I could do it again).

[Dr Vinod]

The most important thing is you can exert and challenge your body at normal sea level and the place you live.
With increase in altitude the oxygen load, supply, pressure decreases.

Even if you are  fit when you attempt these high altitude treks you should acclimatise or else you never know when you will develop live threatening symptoms.

Acute mountain sickness:

-Persistent, severe headache.
-Persistent vomiting.
-Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
-Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)  
-Mental confusion or hallucinations.
-Liquid sounds in the lungs.
-Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
-Difficulty breathing.
-Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
-Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
-Severe lethargy/fatigue.
-Marked blueness of face and lips.
-High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
-Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.

Take care!

[alcmena924]

I'm not sure if this works because I don't see a reply option. Thanks for the information! I felt better this morning (the day after the hike) and I'm sure it was just the altitude because my legs don't hurt at all. I didn't even think about the altitude when we started the hike, but now I know that I'm not cut out for it. I certainly won't attempt it again without a trainer or until I know I'm in good enough shape for it. I'll ask my doctor about it when I get my insurance physical in a few weeks. Thanks for your advice.

[Dr Vinod]

The height is creating the problem. DO NOT DO THESE with out acclimatising first. Whenever you do these treks at more than 4000 feet you need to acclimatise at every next step, need a trainer guide to accompany you,always check the oxygen saturation. Due to the pressure difference you will get all these lung symptoms.
You would be fine but visit a chest specialist and take necessary precautions. Take care!