Say goodbye to the Altitude sickness!

Also known as Sorojchi in Bolivia, Soroche in Peru and Ecuador, Apunamiento in Argentina, Yeyo in Colombia, its official name is Acute Mountain sickness (AMA). Colloquially also knowns as Altitude sickness or Mountain sickness. The lack of adaptation of the organism to the hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in heights, up to 2,000 m.a.s.l. few feel it between 2,500 and 4,000 m.a.s.l. most people feel the symptoms from the 4,000 m.a.s.l. ; it can reach up to the so-called “death zone” up to the 7,500 m.a.s.l.

It’s more common among young people under fifty, and in those who regularly live below 900 m.a.s.l. The atmospheric pressure decreases with height-this This affects the bioavailability of oxygen because the alveoli of the lungs are not capable of carrying the same amount of oxygen to the blood. Although it is known that hypoxia is the cause of the AMA, the exact mechanism causing it is still unknown.

Symptoms:

• Dizziness.
• Headaches (head pain).
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Lack of appetite.
• Fatigue
• Nervousness.
• Sleep disorders, which can be either sleepiness or insomnia.
• We increased the heart rate.
• Sudden nocturnal dyspnea, that is to say, suddenly waking up with a choking sensation.
• High altitude pulmonary edema and cerebral edema of altitude; they are manifestations of more serious (and potentially fatal) of acute mountain sickness.

How to fight the symptoms?

Acclimatization:

It is without a doubt the best remedy, it has an approximate duration of at least a couple of days, or it will depend on the organism of each person, it is recommended to rest the first few days without making much physical effort.

You can take advantage of the time during the acclimatization with the different tours of the city, for example, a City Tour or a Walking Tour, etc., it Is essential to walk slowly and avoid activities in which you strive.

Stay hydrated:

At all hours (preferably drink before you get thirsty, eat before you get hungry, bundle up before you feel cold)

The food:

It is a fundamental matter, so you need to stop the diet! You must be very well fed by which you will not collapse because of the weather; the carbohydrates are the best in these cases, and the ideal thing is to eat rich food, with natural sugars. For example fruit, cereals, especially the Andean grains such as quinoa and Kiwicha; the bars of quinoa are perfect, try them out, you’ll have a lot of energy and are also very delicious.

The Coca Leaf:

Considered as the secret of the Incas (not a tale) to stay healthy and perform activities that require a lot of strength, has a high content of nutrients and is in direct relationship with the psychosomatic welfare of the human being. People are accustomed to chewing, or “Chaqchar” the coca leaves until they are without any flavor. It is the juice that exudes from the leaves, which contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients, especially carbohydrates and calcium. In the beginning, the taste is slightly bitter, but when you get used to it, the flavor becomes more enjoyable. You can also take an infusion or tea of coca leaves, which is very delicious.

Pills for the AMA:

(Sorojchi Pills) These are particularly intended for sensitive people, whose health problems force them to take this drastic measure, it is advisable to buy them in authorized drugstores to prevent extra damage in your body.

Tubes of oxygen:

some or most of the hotels have oxygen tubing, this helps the travelers to be able to breathe well as if they were in a city with 100 meters less. Nevertheless, it is a useful approach.

Breathe:

Breathe deeply because your body is trying to get the oxygen it needs, but there is less of it available in each breath, then breathe deeply to try to get more air.

Drink plenty of water:

dehydration reduces the body’s ability to acclimate to new altitudes, drink 2 to 3 liters a day, starting one day before traveling.

Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages:

Do not drink alcohol and avoid this during the first 48 hours of the trip, alcohol is a depressant. It can decrease the rate of breathing and cause dehydration.

Avoid caffeine:

you should avoid products with caffeine, such as energy drinks, and soda, caffeine can cause muscles dehydration.

Eat properly.

There are certain foods that you should eat to have a good trip. It has been shown that diets, including carbohydrates, may relieve the symptoms of acute altitude sickness. In addition to improving mood and physical performance, at the same time, it has been shown during high altitude simulation tests that carbohydrates improve oxygen saturation in the blood. Eat a high-carbohydrate diet before and during periods of acclimatization. It is also necessary to avoid the excess of salt, too much salt will produce dehydration of the tissues.

*If travelers have cardiovascular disease or respiratory disease, it is essential to consult a doctor before traveling.

Literature:

For book-lovers, we can learn a little more about the AMA by reading the book called: “Mal de Altura,” a book by the American journalist Jon Krakauer, published in 1997. It focuses on the events of May 1996 on Everest, where 12 people died. This best-selling book published by Pan Books is based on a newspaper article that Krakauer published in Outside magazine and was adapted in 1997 to a television film entitled “Way to the top: death on Everest.”

Traveling is always a great experience throughout our lives; the memories of a trip will always be our most valuable treasures. We cannot let the Acute Mountain sickness ruin our journey. We should always take the necessary precautions. For a better ride and to avoid AMA, contact Inkayni Peru Tours.

This company will assist you properly with this issue and with all your visits, and of course, providing a guarantee, liability, and security, our main characteristics.