If you are traveling to a place that is located at a high altitude or plan on climbing to high altitudes, there are steps you can take to prevent getting altitude sickness. Altitude sickness occurs when you have been exposed to changing altitudes in a short amount of time and your body struggles to adjust to less oxygen at the higher elevation. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, nausea, and vomiting. Luckily, there are some common ways to deal with altitude sickness.
Climb to Higher Elevations Gradually
If you are traveling to a country located at a very high altitude such as Bolivia or Peru, try to avoid flying or driving directly to your destination. If possible, it is better to gradually increase your elevation and rest there for a day before continuing on.
For traveling by foot, it is a good rule to increase your altitude by no more than 1,000 feet per day and rest for a day before moving on. This gives your body sufficient time to adjust to the change in altitude.
Stay Hydrated
One of the easiest ways to deal with altitude sickness is to drink plenty of water. Be sure to take plenty of water breaks while you are climbing. Even if you are traveling to a higher elevation by car, tram, or another mode of transportation, you should make sure to drink water regularly along the way.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol & Smoking
Drinking alcohol and smoking can dehydrate you and will only make your altitude sickness worse.
Eat Extra Calories
Your body burns more calories at higher altitudes, therefore you should plan to eat more calories than usual. Carbohydrates and whole-grain foods such as oats and quinoa are particularly helpful to eat at higher altitudes.
Sleep at a Lower Altitude
Symptoms of altitude sickness tend to worsen at night. If possible, return to a lower altitude at night to sleep.
Medications & Local Remedies
There are also local remedies and medications that can help with altitude sickness. Acetazolamide, a water pill, can be prescribed by a doctor to help prevent altitude sickness. However, you will have to make up for the loss of water by drinking extra water.
In Peru, locals will chew on coca leaves or make tea from the leaves which act as a stimulant to combat altitude sickness. Many pharmacies in Peru and Latin America also sell soroche pills which are a combination of aspirin, caffeine, and acetaminophen.
However, if you are experiencing altitude sickness, the most effective treatment is getting to a lower altitude. If you have symptoms of severe altitude sickness such as skin discoloration, move to a lower altitude immediately and seek medical attention.
Note: We share tips for health, travel & preparedness, but this is not official medical advice. Please contact your medical professional if you have questions or symptoms.
