What it the altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is the condition that can appear to a person when traveling to altitudes above 2,500m (8,000 feet) above sea level.
In the South American Andes, altitude sickness is also known as “soroche” (pronunciation is so-ɾo-tʃe) a word that comes from Quechua language.
What causes altitude sickness?
At high elevations, the atmospheric pressure is lower and becomes even lower as you ascent more meters above sea level. The percentage of oxygen molecules in the air is the same at any altitude level (21%) however, as atmospheric pressure is reduced with altitude, the interspace between oxygen and other airs molecules becomes larger. This means that there’s still the same percentage of oxygen molecules in the air but with less quantity of total molecules.
So, you would be breathing the same concentration of air at sea level than what you breath in the high altitude areas but even tough your lungs would receive the same amount of air, the amount of oxygen that gets into your blood and through the circulatory system to body tissues decreases.
Is age, sex or level of physical fitness a considerable factor to get altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness can appear if you travel too quickly to high altitudes. It can happen to anyone, even if you haven’t experience it before when traveling to high altitude places. Age, sex and level of physical fitness have no relevant relation on the probability of getting it.
What are altitude sickness symptoms?
Symptoms of altitude sickness can normally develop during the first 24 hours after reaching high altitude areas and they can include all of some of these:
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Tiredness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Difficulty when breathing.
How you can prevent altitude sickness naturally?
While altitude sickness cannot be predicted or avoided if it happens, there are certain natural methods and ways to prevent it. We normally encourage our customers to:
- Reach altitude regions slowly and progressively when possible.
- Sleep well the previous night before reaching high altitude areas.
- Take it calm and slowly the first day on arrival to a place located at high altitude.
- Avoid strenuous activities during the first day.
- Drink enough water.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid smoking.
- Eat light and avoid fatty meals.
- Chewing coca leaves while in the altitude.
- Drinking coca leaves tea on arrival to the altitude.
Is there any medication to prevent altitude sickness?
There are some travelers who contact their personal physician and are recommended taking a medication named Acetazolamide to help preventing symptoms of altitude sickness during 2 days prior to arriving to high altitude locations. At the same time, some people are giving Ibuprofen or Paracetamol to prevent or treat headaches. We highly encourage our customers to ask their personal doctors before purchasing or taking any medications.
What can be done if you feel any of the symptoms of altitude sickness?
If you experience any of the symptoms of altitude sickness while you are traveling it is important that you follow some guidelines:
- Inform your travel companion/s, hotel staff and/or tour guide about your condition.
- Cease any activity you are doing and take a rest.
- Try not to climb any higher for the rest of the day.
- Drink enough water and coca leaves tea.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and eating fatty food.
- Do not smoke.
- If you feel headache, nausea or feel lack of air contact your travel insurance to be assisted.
What are the most popular places in South America where I can get altitude sickness?
If you are traveling to South America, you will be more likely to visit some of these popular regions that are located in the high Andes area or the Puna:
- Machu Picchu (Peru).
- Cuzco (Peru).
- Sacred Valley (Peru).
- Ollantaytambo (Peru).
- Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain (Peru).
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru).
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (Peru).
- Lake Titicaca (Peru and Bolivia).
- Puno (Peru).
- Arequipa (Peru).
- Colca Canyon (Peru).
- La Paz (Bolivia).
- Uyuni Salt Flat.
- San Pedro de Atacama.
- Purmamarca.
- Tilcara.
- Humahuaca Gorge.
If you visit any of these places mentioned above during your trip to South America we highly recommend you follow our advice and plan your trip prudently. It is better to leave the first day free when arriving to any of these locations to let your body acclimatize correctly. At the same time, we encourage our customers to always purchase a reliable Travel Insurance Company to get health coverage during your travels. If you need further recommendations or have any questions, feel free to contact us at any stage of your planning to advice.