Altitude sickness or altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, which causes many people to fear visiting the city of Cusco. Don’t let that stop you from visiting this magical region. Here are some tips to prevent altitude sickness from ruining your travel plans.
Symptoms of altitude sickness
Some people experience symptoms of altitude sickness like a hangover, for others the symptoms are more severe and last the entire hospital stay. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Florida or the Himalayas, your age or your level of travel experience, anyone without exception can get altitude sickness; but not all achieve it with the same intensity. These are the symptoms of altitude sickness:
Dizziness: As the brain is not sufficiently oxygenated, dizziness is very likely to occur.
Head: Another symptom that causes hypoxia is a constant headache (in some cases mild and in others much more intense). It is the brain’s response when it operates with lower oxygen levels than the person is used to.
Tiredness and physical exhaustion : As occurs with intense physical activity, the feeling of tiredness and exhaustion is constant because the body works in unfavorable oxygenation conditions.
Concern: The human body is very wise, so realizing that there is less oxygen forces the respiratory system to work much harder. This creates a constant excitement in people who are not used to high altitude weather conditions.
Digestive problems: Other symptoms associated with altitude sickness include indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. These are related to the unexpected change in metabolic rate associated with Soroche.
*** It is important to pay attention to these early symptoms. If the days go by and they do not disappear, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible to avoid health complications. ***
How to avoid altitude sickness:
Acclimatization: It is necessary that the first days of the trip do not carry out physical activity since the body needs to acclimatize to the new altitude to fully experience the trip of the following days without any problem . .
Avoid heavy meals: Before embarking on your trip, you should avoid eating foods that are difficult to digest. It is best to follow a light diet so as not to stress your body more. Once you adjust to the reduced oxygen associated with altitude, you’ll have had enough.
Avoid alcohol: The reasons for this are debatable, but some studies show that the effects of alcohol are stronger (meaning you get drunk more easily) at higher altitudes. Alcohol can also increase the effects of altitude sickness. Stay away from pisco, at least for the first few days in Cusco.
Pills against soroche or mountain sickness: they are very effective and can be bought without a prescription.
Its intake must be one dose every 12 hours, these favor blood circulation and increase respiratory capacity, the most used are Soroche and Diamox tablets.
Worry: This is truly the best and most overlooked tip for avoiding altitude sickness. Remember that your body is trying to adjust to reduced oxygen levels. Therefore, it is essential to let yourself go during the first days of your stay in Cusco. Do not go on long walks or hikes. Don’t overload your body, which is working overtime to oxygenate the blood.
Deep – Again, your body is trying to get the oxygen it needs, but with each breath there is less of it. Then take a deep breath to try to get more air.
Mate de coca (infusions made from coca leaves): you can find them everywhere in Cusco. clarification that coca is the plant from which cocaine is obtained; However, coca leaves alone are not enough to make it look like an illegal drug. So yes, Coca Cola tea is perfectly safe to drink. However, don’t drink more than four or five cups at a time or you may experience heart palpitations; However, it is one of the best natural remedies for altitude sickness and has been used since the time of the Incas.
Traveling is one of life’s pleasures, but you can’t let altitude sickness ruin your trip by always taking precautions. To make a better trip and not suffer from this disease, contact Kuskandes Trek, a company that will provide you with the best possible service in this area and in all your visits to circuits such as the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trail or the Inca Jungle. . . mountains . . Of course, always with the guarantee, responsibility and security that distinguishes us.
