what to do to avoid altitude sickness.?

Question

I am going to Macchu Picu in Peru this summer. I heard that you should take Hydrogen peroxide pills to help avoid altitude sickness from lack of oxygen. I thought that hydrogen peroxide would kill you. What's a good thing to use or is that the truth.

Answer 1

There is a prescribed medication for glaucoma that is also used for altitude sickness, sorry I do not want to give it out since I am not licensed, however your MD will know about it if you prompt him/her with this information.

Secondly, I have been there and Cuzco where the train takes off from is higher than Machu Picchu. Do what the Indians have done for a few thousand years to cure 'Sorotche'. They chew cocaine leaves, however, when you check into your hotel they will immediately offer you ' Mate de Coca', cocaine tea. Take it as is or add a little sugar, it tastes just like any herbal tea and it does not give you a high. . .trust me. Drink about two cups and the altitude headache and nausea will be gone. Matter of fact I had more stamina too.
You will see vendors sell green leaves in the street but do not put it in your mouth, it is full of dust and all kinds of bacteria. . .you will see why.
One more word of caution, when you get back to your home country and you may be selected for a random drug test required by your employer. . . .you will test dirty for a few days, just be prepared to handle that.

Last word of caution, if you take the train from Cuzco to Puno be very careful with your belongings, do not go to sleep unless your friends are watching. . . .oh yes this is where Gringos lose their luggage!

Answer 2

When I was in Peru, the locals always suggested drinking coca tea, a tea made from the coca plant. Be forewarned, drinking this will make you test positive for cocaine in a drug test. I think I read it would make you test positive for about 24 hours, but if you know you might be tested, avoid it all together.

There really isn't much you can do about altitude sickness. If you are going up on your own power, make sure you go slow. Every 5 minutes or so, take about 10 rapid deep breaths (stop if you begin to feel "tingly" in your hands or feet so you don't hyperventilate). If you don't feel good, don't be afraid to sit and rest for awhile. Keeping yourself hydrated is supposed to help as well. Sit and have your coca tea or a soda.

I am not sure bout the H2O2 pills. Hydrogen Peroxide itself can make you sick. Here is a website from the CDC that has a section on ingestion of Peroxide (you have to scroll down a little):

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg174.html



Good Luck. Enjoy Macchu Picu (I didn't make it there myself...couldn't get away from work in Lima...got to see some sort of riot there though.)

Answer 3

I think it's about 11,000 feet. I've never heard of hydrogen peroxide pills. You can buy wrist bands that help with nausea. Before you go, get in good shape, especially your lung capacity as oxygen at the elevation is less than you're used to. Once there, take it slowly. You can take the train or walk up. Keep hydrated and eat light meals. If you throw up or have severe headaches, don't get worried.