| Our eager tourist, headed for Peru, decides to cram as | | | | journey to gradually rise in altitude where possible; for |
| much as possible into his travelling schedule. Flying into | | | | example in Peru the optimum route would be Lima, |
| Lima at sea level he catches a connecting flight to | | | | Nazca, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno. This may not be |
| Cusco, jumping up 3400m in an hour. He's got a | | | | possible due to time restrictions but your travel advisor |
| headache when he wakes up in his hotel the next | | | | will do their best. |
| morning, but there's no time to waste. Without delay he | | | | In any case if you are not above 2000m altitude |
| straps on his walking boots and heads out on the Inca | | | | sickness is very unlikely. The speed of ascent is the |
| Trail, a route that takes him up to 4200m at times on | | | | most important factor; heading uphill as slowly as |
| the way to Machu Picchu. He's not feeling too good as | | | | possible reduces the risk. As we mentioned before it |
| the trekking group reaches the first high pass; in fact, | | | | also helps to take it easy for at least a couple of days |
| he can't even find the strength to lift his feet. Sinking to | | | | after making the ascent to altitude before launching |
| his knees with his head throbbing, the veins in his | | | | yourself into anything too strenuous. Heavier breathing |
| forehead bulge and, BOOOOOM! His head explodes | | | | in the thinner air also causes dehydration, so drinking |
| like a balloon full of jelly. | | | | plenty of water and staying clear of alcohol-fuelled |
| OK, that last bit never happened. Nevertheless, being | | | | nights as you get higher will prevent problems. |
| aware of the effects of altitude can make the | | | | What To Do If You Get Sick |
| difference between the trip of a lifetime and an | | | | Prevention is obviously the best measure. However, if |
| unpleasant struggle. | | | | you could get any of the following symptoms above |
| What Causes Altitude Sickness? | | | | 2400m, including; |
| Unfortunately, the might of modern medical research | | | | - lack of appetite |
| can still not fully determine the causes of altitude | | | | - nausea |
| sickness. However, it is thought in general that the drop | | | | - vomiting |
| in density from the oxygen at higher altitudes means | | | | - fatigue |
| that the body can not get the supply it needs and | | | | - dizziness |
| proceeds to let you know about it. | | | | - insomnia |
| Individuals can be affected at a range of different | | | | - pins and needles |
| heights, but about 80% of people may feel affects at | | | | - shortness of breath upon exertion |
| around 3000m above sea level. Although many will | | | | - persistent rapid pulse |
| feel inclined to put themselves in the 20% minority and | | | | - drowsiness |
| start waiting for pink froth to begin flowing from their | | | | - swelling of the hands, feet and face |
| mouth when they walk up a sea-side hill, effects (if | | | | Any of these could indicate that you are experiencing |
| they are felt or not) can be easily avoided and simple | | | | altitude sickness. Rest and drinking water are the best |
| to deal with. | | | | way to recover at the same height (chewing coca |
| The First (And Hopefully Last) Step - Prevention | | | | leaves or drinking coca tea where available is also a |
| The first thing is to check the altitude of the region to | | | | well recognised remedy) but if things get unbearable, |
| which you will be travelling and ask your tour company | | | | descent is your only option. Painkillers won't resolve the |
| for expert advice. Make sure the tour operator you | | | | problem and sufferers should definitely not make a bid |
| choose is honest and responsible with regard to | | | | for higher altitudes. |
| altitude. Your itinerary should not try to include too | | | | Don't let the fear of possible altitude effects cloud your |
| many drastic changes in altitude in a short time and | | | | adventures; remember that wherever you go in the |
| should always leave a couple of days for | | | | Andes mountains as long as you take things steady |
| acclimatization before starting trekking at over 3000m. | | | | you should have the time of your life. |
| Competent travel companies will try to plan your | | | | |