High-altitude precautions-Bolivia/Peru

[Guest guest]

While this is rather off-topic, there have been several mentions recently of

what to do in Bolivia or Peru or other parts of the high Andes to avoid

high-altitude sickness, called "sorojchi" by the locals. Our esteemed

Gururattan also asked about this in reference to someone's question. This

just came around at the office and I thought it would be helpful as the

definitive answer. Four people from the company have recently gotten very

ill because they did not take precautions. [by the way, for anyone

contemplating an extended stay in La Paz, Bolivia, there are several yoga

centers there you could probably drop in at for classes.] The locals always

sing the praises of coca-leaf tea and "sorojchi-pills" that are available at

any pharmacy. Their words of advice for new arrivals are: eat lightly, walk

little, and sleep alone.

 

"...There are a few things that you can do when traveling to Bolivia which

will help avoid major problems. Most of them are common sense but when we

want to rush and get a lot done, ... common sense goes out of the window!

We can get away with it most of the time. But high altitude is unforgiving

with our bodies. So when you travel to Bolivia:

 

Please arrive a day before you start meetings

Don't travel to La Paz if you have a bad cold or if you are exhausted

Drink plenty of water even through the night

Take Diamox, starting 2 days before you arrive.

Don't eat heavy meals or take alcohol on the plane or in your first few days

in La Paz.

If you can take oxygen at night before you go to sleep it helps.

Make sure that you observe your physical state and tell colleagues if you

feel weak.

 

Our Chief Medical Officer, has looked at the recommendations and he also

recommends to visit a very informative website:

http://www.high-altitude-medicine.com/AMS.html

 

Finally, attached are some recommendations from the American Embassy in La

Paz:

High Altitude Instructions

Everyone may notice a decrease in appetite but should definitely drink

non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated liquids to remain well hydrated.

 

Children may especially feel less hungry and a slowed growth rate may be

noted in the first few months living at higher altitudes.

 

Diamox is prescribed to be taken the day prior to the flight, on the day of

the flight, and for three days after arrival at the high altitude duty

station.

 

One is well advised to drink an increased amount of non-alcoholic and

non-carbonated fluids on the airplane en route to the high altitude

destination.

 

It is worth noting that everyone will have problems on arrival in the high

altitude location. Do not try to do things quickly and allow your body to

have a natural adjustment to this very different physical experience. Give

yourself extra time to do the normal tasks.

 

Some problems frequently experienced include shortness of breath, possible

swelling, and headaches.

 

Avoid cigarettes and alcohol at least for the first week if possible as

these affect the circulation which is trying to adjust to the elevation

changes.

 

Once your body has acclimatized to the new location, you will begin to feel

as you normally do and you will have time to see the sights.

 

Stay healthy!!"

 

Hope this is helpful to any of our KY group's members contemplating a visit

to Bolivia, Peru or other parts of the high Andes Mountains.

 

Blessings, Jiwan Mukta Kaur

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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