Location: Perú is located in the central western part of South America.
Area: 1,285,215 km2. After Brasil and Argentina Perú is the third largest South American Country.
Population : 26,000,000 inhabitants, the majority being of Andean origin.
Languages : The official languages are Spanish, Quechua and Aymará. Spanish is spoken throughout the country and Quechua in the Andean region.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Edema is the name given to an excessive accumulation of fluids in the body; when this occurs in the lungs or brain it can be life-threatening. Cerebral Edema occurs when the blood plasma filters through the capillary walls causing pressure inside the skull; it occurs frequently in people without prior acclimatization who ascend above 2000m in too rapidly.Breathing quickens and becomes deeper as the body reacts to the lower levels of oxygen in the blood.
The brain swells slightly resulting in headaches and nausea.
The kidneys increase the production of the hormone that produces red blood cells.
Pulse varies between 70 at rest and 155 under exertion.
Breathing at Sea Level
At sea-level, where the air is dense and oxygen abundant, breathing is found to be easy.
Blood transports almost the maximum capacity of oxygen.
The heart operates at a full range from a pulse of 65 at rest, up to 170 at maximum exertion.
Precautions
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ensure that altitude is gained slowly and gradually, spending at least the first few nights of your trip in Huaráz.
Treatment
If attitude sickness is experienced, despite having followed the above precaution, it is recommended to drink plenty of liquid, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and in extreme cases it may be necessary to descend to a lower altitude. Paracetamol can be taken for headaches and Coromina for vomiting. |
