5 Best Tips How on Deal with High-Altitude Sickness

Every traveller preparing to conquer high-altitude mountains should prepare for changes in the environment. Altitude sickness can affect each and every one of us, and it’s important to know how it affects our body. It’s necessary to understand how our body works and how to deal with the changes in pressure and the amount of oxygen we inhale. We wrote this article based on our own experiences during our visit to Peru and Bolivia. Read more and learn how to deal with altitude sickness.

It’s important to understand what is happening to our body when climbing to high altitudes. The atmospheric pressure and the partial pressure of oxygen decrease with increasing altitude. So, the human body actually receives less oxygen than usual with every breath. At the same time, the humidity in the air decreases, which can be a very unpleasant phenomenon and is called high altitude sickness. Our body reacts to oxygen deficiency by breathing faster and deeper, and if this condition persists, some chemical changes can gradually occur. The process of adapting can take up to several weeks. In general, it is necessary to gradually acclimate to an altitude above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. This is especially true for an altitude of up to 5,500 meters (18,000 feet) because at this altitude, breathing is accelerated even in a resting state, and the body may become damaged during a longer stay.

Peruvian Andes are the most beautiful mountains – our hike to the top of the Rainbow Mountains

During your ascent to higher altitudes, definitely don’t forget to replenish fluids often. The body doesn’t let you know when it’s thirsty; you will have to actually force yourself to drink much more. The symptoms of wrong acclimatization are excessive urination, insomnia and breathlessness when doing easy-to-do tasks. You might also notice your lips going slightly blue or getting a tingling sensation in your fingers and limbs. And, of course, another accompanying phenomenon is increased tiredness. All of these symptoms mean that the body is trying to get used to the changes in the high altitude environment.

1. Gradual ascent is the best way how to deal with altitude sickness

The most important thing is not to underestimate the eventual acclimatization when travelling to high altitudes. It’s important to listen to your own body and to watch for any signs of oxygen deficiency. Everyone responds to high-altitude mountain climbing differently, but generally, everything depends on the capacity of the lungs. The larger the lungs, the easier the climb should be. Keep in mind that from 3,000 meters above sea level, you should only ascend 300 – 500 meters a day, and after every 1,000 meters, take a day off to rest. It’s important to take altitude sickness seriously and underestimating it may have very serious consequences. At the same time, it’s not necessary to worry needlessly; if you behave responsibly, your body will automatically handle all the changes in the conditions.

Hiking in the Peruvian Andes

2. Chewing coca (only in Peru and Bolivia)

The same coca leaves that have been chewed by old Incas are still chewed today. The leaves of a coca plant undisputedly belong to the culture of the South American Indians. Coca is legal only in Peru, Bolivia and some parts of Argentina. It is a natural analgesic, removing the feeling of fatigue, inducing a pleasant mental state and helps to better oxygenate the blood. The Indians chew coca leaves especially when doing demanding physical work, and it is also often recommended to get rid of altitude sickness. But don’t expect miracles. Its effects are not very noticeable. Yet chewing coca leaves is recommended during a difficult trek to high-altitude sites – read more about our hard hike to 5,100 meters on top of Rainbow Mountains. People who do not like the taste of the bitter leaves may use them to make tea or add them to their drinking water. Coca may also be used as a spice for your meals. One of our tips for altitude sickness was to put a few coca leaves into a bottle of water and leave it there overnight.

Dried coca leaves

Bolivian miners in the city of Potosi

3. Diet and sufficient hydration

During the climb, it’s important to consume food with a high content of carbohydrates, mainly sugars. In addition to pure water, it’s ideal to take one sweet drink to give you a boost. The perfect food is chocolate, which has high sugar volume, and it will give you some much-needed energy. Make sure you avoid any alcohol, which would only worsen your symptoms. Without exception! Staying hydrated is very important, so make sure you watch your fluid intake! Your body will not really tell you that it’s thirsty at high altitudes, so it’s necessary to count and force yourself to drink. Believe us, excessive urination is fine and is related to how the body adapts to high altitude and the changes in pressure and oxygen density around you.

Optimal equipment for the mountains

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4. Sorojchi pills against altitude sickness

This is the best and most effective way to get rid of altitude sickness. These pills can be purchased very easily in both Peru and Bolivia in any pharmacy. They are very similar to regular aspirin, so don’t worry about taking them. They primarily contain caffeine and acetylsalicylic acid, which helps to dilute blood. This helps the body stay oxidized and adapt better to the environment. The pills should be taken about 8 hours before the planned climb and then every 8 hours. As far as the dosage is concerned, we left it to our subjective feelings. These drugs are the best-guaranteed method on how to get rid of altitude sickness.

However, if you’re staying at a place where these pills are not available, try using the above-mentioned aspirin, which is very similar. It should do just fine as well.

Sorojchi pills against altitude sickness – you can get in every pharmacy

5. Oxygen inhalation

Bottled oxygen should be available in Peru or Bolivia in every pharmacy and is called OxyShot. However, a dose of pure oxygen is necessary only when a person is truly about to faint. If you follow our instructions above, this situation should not happen at all. Don’t count on supplemental oxygen helping you during your climb. We only had oxygen with us on our hike for the worst-case scenario – someone feeling extreme symptoms of altitude sickness. Anyway, bear in mind it helps you deal with altitude sickness for only a short time. Fortunately, nothing like that happened. If you don’t underestimate your trip to high altitudes, you shouldn’t need it at all.  

OxyShot – pure oxygen for inhalation

READ NEXT: Discover unique Rainbow Mountains in Peru

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