Altitude sickness afflicts around 50% of people who climb to altitudes of 8,000 feet or more. It can be unpleasant, causing headaches and dizziness. Yet, if you know what to expect and how to react to the first signs of altitude sickness, you can often avoid the worst symptoms.
Travelers to Cusco Machu Picchu in Peru often ask questions about altitude sickness. The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is between 7,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Altitude sickness at this elevation shouldn’t be a problem.
Many travelers to high places have experienced the discomfort of altitude sickness. It is that lightheaded, nauseous feeling you get when you hike up the slopes of a mountain. It usually happens when you climb at a fast pace. Many people can’t tolerate the lower levels of oxygen and the reduced air pressure that occurs at higher elevations. It takes a while for your body to adjust to these conditions.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. 50% of people who ascend to altitudes of 8,000 feet above sea level and more will get altitude sickness. Altitude sickness does not respect age, gender, or your state of health. Be on the alert under the following conditions.
Altitudes over 8,000 feet can bring on the symptoms of altitude sickness. We categorize altitudes as follows:
Let’s put that into perspective.
AMS acute mountain sickness, is the most common form of altitude sickness. Up to three-quarters of people who ascend to heights of more than 10,000 feet will experience mild symptoms of AMS. AMS falls into three categories
This shouldn’t impede your usual activities since it causes only a mild headache and tiredness. If you stay at this height, your body will quickly adapt with the symptoms clearing after a few days.
At this level you may start to battle with coordination. You may also experience nausea and an acute headache. Only a descent to a lower level will ease the symptoms.
At this level, you will have difficulty walking and may be short of breath even when resting. You must descend as soon as it is safe to do so and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
There are two other forms of altitude sickness. Though infrequent they are more severe. These can result in death so it is absolutely vital that the sufferer descends and seeks immediate medical intervention. These severe forms of altitude sickness include:
(High-altitude cerebral edema) – high altitudes cause a surplus of fluid on the brain, causing it to swell. The result may be confusion, uncoordinated movement, and even violent behavior.
(High-altitude pulmonary edema) – high altitudes cause surplus fluid in the lungs. The result is shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue. It may feel as though you are suffocating as the fluid fills your lungs.
As you climb to higher elevations, the air pressure and oxygen levels drop. Your body needs time to adapt to these changes even if you are physically fit. Though scientists don’t understand why it happens, low air pressure and high altitude can cause fluid to leak out of your blood vessels. The fluid from your vessels accumulates in your brain and lungs. Failure to take action when you experience moderate to severe symptoms of altitude sickness could put your life at risk.
Symptoms differ according to the level of altitude sickness that afflicts you.
Symptoms usually start between 12 and 24 hours after you arrive at your high-altitude destination. As your body adjusts over the next day or two, the symptoms will ease. Symptoms include:
Symptoms of moderate altitude sickness are more severe. Rather than improving over time, symptoms tend to worsen. They include:
Severe altitude sickness is a health emergency and requires immediate descent and medical intervention. Though it appears that the symptoms are the same as moderate AMS, they are more extreme. You must move to a lower altitude as soon as you experience these symptoms and seek medical care:
The movement of oxygen through your body is impeded by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The symptoms of HAPE include the following
When fluid leaks into the brain, the brain swells and you need immediate medical help. The symptoms of HACE include
The first symptom of altitude sickness is a headache. If the headache is accompanied by at least one other symptom, and you have moved to a higher altitude in the past two days, the likely cause is altitude sickness. Experienced climbers will recognize the signs of altitude sickness. The doctor may order chest X-rays if he or she suspects that you may have fluid on your chest. An MRI or CT scan can confirm the presence of fluid on the brain.
The first and most obvious treatment of altitude sickness is the removal of the patient to a lower altitude as quickly as possible. If you have mild symptoms, you may choose to wait it out. Staying where you are may help to acclimatize your body to the conditions. As with most illnesses, the treatment depends on the severity of the condition
Mild altitude sickness – treat the headache with over-the-counter painkillers. As your body adjusts to the conditions, any other symptoms will disappear.
Moderate altitude sickness – descend by 1,000 to 2,000 feet to alleviate the symptoms. It should take no more than three days for the symptoms to completely disappear.
Severe altitude sickness, HACE and HAPE – If your symptoms are severe, you will have to move down to an altitude lower than 4,000 feet. You need medical attention and may require hospital treatment.
You can avoid altitude sickness by taking it slowly. A slow ascent helps your body to acclimatize to the reduction in oxygen levels as you rise. Speak to your doctor about taking acetazolamide. Taken 24 hours before the ascent and for five days during the trip, will reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. Dexamethasone is also sometimes used as a preventative measure, but it can have nasty side effects. You can avoid the worst symptoms of altitude sickness by listening to your body. When you start to feel ill, slow your ascent or descend to lower altitudes. You will quickly recover. Though rare, altitude sickness can cause life threatening conditions. Left untreated, HACE or HAPE can result in coma or death. Speedy medical treatment is necessary.
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It is possible to acclimatize your body to higher altitudes and avoid altitude sickness.
If you’re planning a high-altitude holiday, find out whether there are any medications that can help you to prevent altitude sickness. This is particularly important if you have had altitude sickness before or if you are at high risk of developing the illness. Knowledge and preparation will help you to deal with the symptoms, preventing them from escalating and spoiling your holiday. You should not have to acclimatize during your Peru, Machu Picchu climb. Your guide can help you with information on altitude sickness in Peru.
Also See: What to do in Sacred Valley!
