Height: Information – prevention – advice.
Introduction
4 level phenomena.
- The reduction of atmospheric pressure. At sea level pressure of 760 mmHg, in Bolivia is an average of 415 mmHg.
- The relative reduction of oxygen.
- The drop in temperature. At altitude, the temperature drops 6.5 degrees by 1000 meters won.
The physiological manifestations are an increase in respiratory rate, heart rate and an increase of the oxygen carrier, the red blood cells, to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
- The intensification of solar radiation.
Those who suffer from the altitude?
It is generally considered that altitude sickness (or “sorojche”) about 15% of people found at 2000 meters above sea level, 60%Â at 4000 meters, and everyone at high altitude (over 5000 meters).
Unlike seasickness, it can happen to anyone, and age is not a risk factor.
What are the symptoms?
“Acute mountain sickness” is a response to the lack of the body of the acclimatization at altitude due to a lack of oxygen. These problems
usually arise from 4 to 8 hours after arrival at altitude, and generally above 3500 m.
The symptoms of these problems include:
- Headache, a feeling of exhaustion and rapid breathing, in most cases
- Insomnia in 2 / 3 of cases
- Loss of appetite in 1 / 3 of cases
- Nausea in 1 / 3 of cases
These symptoms, frequent and regular, usually disappear on their own,
or with the help of aspirin after a few hours spent at altitude.
Altitude sickness can also reduce urine volume, accompanied by hands, ankles and face edema. In this case, the opinion of a specialist physician is required.
Contraindications for practicing trekking or mountain climbing
- vascular insufficiency
- History of respiratory compromise
- Seizures and previous neuro-surgery
- Diseases required repeat injections, such as insulin-dependent diabetes
- Unstable cardiovascular disease
- Some blood disease
- Acute mountain sickness, cerebral or pulmonary edema during a previous trip
Occurrence
While you were in your country, we recommend visiting a doctor for a medical condition or weakness detection. We also recommend that you regularly prior to your travel to Bolivia, especially when walking or climbing consider. Walk (if possible at high altitudes) or swimming will help acclimate more quickly.
In Bolivia it is obligatory for a period of acclimatization before attempting any respect Andean peaks. We recommend taking a few days in La
Paz to Lake Titicaca or bring (ride on the Isla del Sol), ideal places for short visits
We recommend that you drink plenty, particularly mate de coca (coca leaf infusion, without risks …).
Our promises
We in particular ensure that your program progressive.
For all our mountaineering / hiking is prior (and mandatory) acclimation of a few days (usually at La Paz and Lake Titicaca) are planned.
The rare cases of severe acclimatization problems at the beginning of the stay and We see about one per two years.
In such a case, the return to La Paz (or nearest city) is immediate.
If the problem occurs once you have a remote area (eg the cordillera after 5 days of trekking, a case unlikely), it is still always possible to quickly transport the patient to a center or IBBA modern medical center in La Paz.
Our advice for trekking and mountaineering
Here is some advice to follow during a hike or a ascent
- Climb Slowly and gradual. We suggest above the 3500 meters above sea level, you do not ascend more than 700 meters from one night to the next. From 3500 meters for example, then you can only climb to 4500 meters (1000 m) when you sleep lower (eg at 4000 m, the height difference between
This camp and the prior is of only 500 meters).
All our trekking and climbing programs are designed to this rule respect. - In order to sleep well, once in the camp, climb over the camp about 200 to 300 meters without you backpack, try to stay about an hour and return to camp.
- Do not put yourself (No giant steps, jumping or running)
- Remember to hydrate. Warning: purification water or your will become victims of other ills of a gastric nature.
- Eat well. A well-balanced breakfast will give you the energy needed for the effort you spend. Each day you will trek snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit, candy).
- Change in dry clothes when you get to your camp.
- Stretch after walk every day for pain and cramps earners.
- Be motivated! An ascent depends on 50% on your mental strength.