CultureShock! Ecuador by Nicholas Crowder

Author:Nicholas Crowder
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789814435734
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish

In October 2000, the Centre for Disease Control reported that Malarone had been approved in the United States as an anti-malarial drug. It has also received good results as a preventive drug and does not have the possible psychological effects noted with Larium.

High Altitude Sickness

If you choose to live or travel in the Andes area of Ecuador, the high altitude may affect you. Between 2,438 m and 4,267 m (8,000 ft and 14,000 ft) is considered high altitude. Above 4,267 m to 5,486 m (14,000 ft to 18,000 ft) is considered very high altitude. Anything above this is called ‘extreme altitude’.

Local slang for high altitude sickness is soroche. Caused by the lack of oxygen, some simple planning may help you deal with the change of altitude. I remember my first trip to Quito after living at sea level for most of my life. It took me some time to make the adjustment. I had a splitting headache in the temple region and felt fatigued. Insomnia, vomitting, rapid breathing and increased urination may also occur.

It is hard to anticipate who will adjust well to high altitude. The afflicted may be disoriented especially if fatigued, and may need help to descend. Those who appear quite healthy may react poorly. Children seem to adapt easier to high altitudes. The solution is the same for all: descend, descend descend! Other cures include rest, deep breathing, adequate fluid intake and mild painkillers such as aspirin or Tylenol to alleviate headaches. There has been at least one study, which shows Ginko biloba, a plant native to China, may lessen the symptoms of high altitude sickness.

The worst form of high altitude sickness is high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Symptoms include blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, changes in levels of consciousness, seizures and paralysis. Loosen any restrictive clothing and the afflicted person might have to be carried down. Medical attention may be necessary; give oxygen if available.

Ecuadorians suggest ‘chupa el caramello’ (‘suck on candy’) to treat soroche. Many believe that a small amount of sugar via a piece of candy or a sweet helps alleviate high-altitude sickness. Some Ecuadorians also believe that a part of sugar cane, called panela, also helps. Several doctors have told me that this does assist the sufferer. Panela is very sweet and you only need to put a small piece in your mouth.

Medical Tips

Precautionary measures include gradual ascent, avoiding high fat and high protein diets and drinking lots of water. An excellent online resource is http://www.high-altitude-medicine.com.

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