Peru Travel – Altitude sickness or soroche
If you are a flatlander and are traveling to the Andes of Peru you need to be aware of altitude sickness or soroche. At high elevations the pressure of oxygen diminishes so the quantity of oxygen molecules per breath is lower than at sea level. The respiratory, circulatory, nervous and renal systems are affected by the inadequate amount of oxygen. Now, it is different with every person, about 30% of travelers never feel any sickness. As long as you follow the basic rules you will acclimatize in no time.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness-vertigo
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme fatigue
- Low volume of urine
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Chewing coca leaves helps fight altitude sickness.
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How to fight altitude sickness
- Drink lots of water and avoid coffee and alcoholic drinks.
- Eat in small quantities, preferably carbohydrates.
- Take it easy on your first day of arrival, rest is best.
- Do not take sleeping pills or tranquilizers.
- Drink mate de coca, a tea made from coca leaves.
- Chewing coca leaves alleviates some of the symptoms.
- Ask your doctor about Diamox to fight altitude sickness.
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Coca tea or mate de coca. Helps with the symptoms of altitude sickness.
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