Soap Opera Actor Greg Vaughan Admitted to Hospital Due to Severe Altitude Sickness

Days of Our Lives Star Greg Vaughan Hospitalized With Severe Altitude Sickness

Greg Vaughan Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Days of Our Lives actor Greg Vaughan recently had a health scare while vacationing with his sons in Colorado. He had to visit an urgent care center after feeling unwell during the trip.

At the center, Vaughan found out that he was dealing with "severe altitude sickness." This condition caused his lungs to fill with fluid and his blood oxygen level to drop significantly to only 54 percent. Normally, a healthy oxygen level ranges between 95 and 100 percent.

Life is unpredictable, just like a box of chocolates, as one Instagram post highlighted on Thursday, March 14. The post included photos of the person in a hospital bed, receiving oxygen.

The individual, named Vaughan, shared the harrowing details of his experience. It all started with feeling tired and out of breath after climbing stairs. He also had congestion, wheezing, and a headache. Despite hydrating and taking NyQuil, he thought he could push through and go skiing with his kids at Breckenridge Mountain the next day.

That night, his condition worsened.

Days of Our Lives Star Greg Vaughan Hospitalized With Severe Altitude Sickness

Greg Vaughan JC Olivera/Getty Images

Greg Vaughan shared on Instagram that he had a rough night filled with tossing, turning, coughing, and feeling unwell. He described his discomfort by saying his head felt like it was in a walnut cracker. Despite feeling unwell, he had to disappointingly stay home to rest and recover instead of spending time with his boys and friends who had just arrived. He wanted to make sure he was at his best for the days ahead.

Vaughan's health kept getting worse because he was worried about missing out on spending time with his kids during their vacation. He eventually went to urgent care and was told he had severe altitude sickness.

Shortly after his first post, Vaughan shared a picture of his smartwatch displaying a blood oxygen level of 94 percent.

"Well, after 4 hours, with a couple of bags of IV and an oxygen tank on my face, I was informed that I had to come down from the mountain right away!" he shared. "But I didn't want to ruin the boys' last day of fun on the hilltops, so we decided to stay for one more day."

Instead of heading home, Vaughan decided to leave with an oxygen tank and a good laugh shared by all.

He closed his post with a friendly warning for those exploring the Rockies: “No matter how many times I’ve visited in my life, Colorado Rockies is no joke! Remember to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this place.”

To fully enjoy the experience, it is important to acclimate to the higher altitude gradually. The CDC suggests ascending slowly, refraining from alcohol in the initial 48 hours at elevation, and engaging in light exercise at the beginning.

Editor's P/S:

Greg Vaughan's experience highlights the importance of altitude sickness awareness and the need to take precautions when traveling to high elevations. It is crucial to gradually acclimatize to the altitude, especially if you have pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Symptoms of altitude sickness can vary and can include headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Vaughan's story also emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and not pushing yourself too hard. While it is understandable to want to make the most of a vacation, it is vital to prioritize your health and safety. If you feel unwell, it is best to rest and recover rather than risk further complications. Vaughan's decision to seek medical attention ultimately allowed him to enjoy the remainder of his trip safely and without further health concerns. much more serious situation. His experience serves as a cautionary tale for travelers to take altitude sickness seriously and follow the CDC's recommendations for gradual acclimatization and moderation.