Testing the Effects of Altitude Sickness in Peru

[@rgraji5649]

I got altitude sickness within an hour in Cusco, Peru. Not fun when you can't breathe. Don't panic. People around will know what to do. Be educated on altitude sickness.

[@duanebidoux6087]

As I write this I am sitting in a coffee shop in Cusco. I've been here for 3 weeks and have about another 1-1/2 week. I did a little research before leaving on Altitude Sickness and got a med from my doctor to help but I still didn't anticipate how tough it would be. For me the tough part has not been during the day and doing tourism stuff (although that hasn't necessarily been easy) but sleeping at night. I've had a few really rough nights where I didn't sleep AT ALL. I find that as I drift off to sleep my breathing slows dramatically and I'll have brief moments where I don't breath at all (I don't actually have sleep apnea) but apparently what is happening happens to everyone a bit as they drift off to sleep or from time to time during the night. The problem becomes that the impact of these minor irregular slowing in breathing episodes has much worse consequences when your body is already at low oxygen levels. So suddenly I will wake wide awake literally gasping for air like I am suffocating. It is a truly miserable experience. To give a couple of caveats that might be unique to me and not others: I have lived at sea level for the last 30 years and am 59. Although I'm not in terrible shape I seriously doubt I am in the same shape as Craig Beals (He's certainly a lot younger). So perhaps there are things to consider such as age, overall physical condition, and the altitude at which one has been living). For those of you going I would do more research than I have and generally consult a doctor--maybe even get a cardiac checkup before you go. I can't wait to get back down where the oxygen is thick. But I have enjoyed Peru and my trip to Machu Picchu (actually a day of relief on the breathing front). Don't skip the trip if you're nervous but perhaps do a little more research than I did and have a backup plan (going to a lower level town and spending a few days, renting oxygen, etc.). But it is a beautiful country--and I have a new found respect for the Inka that created such a magnificent civilization in such an inhospitable climate.

[@BealsScience]

Everything you mentioned is GREAT advice for all travelers! Thank you for sharing and enjoy your continued travels in Peru!

[@jenniferwatt9666]

Hey Craig! I finally had a chance to watch your phenomenal TedX talk, and was just so blown away - again - even having been so fortunate as to meet you and hear the story in person. At any rate, I have been reveling in your science videos of course, starting with this one :). Awesome! Very best to you - Jen

[@BealsScience]

jennifer watt thank you for the kind words!! I am glad the TEDx Talk resonated with you. We've now got several educators set up to use the App in their class and they are having similar experiences as I have had! Thanks for saying Hi!

[@jenniferwatt9666]

I am SO happy to hear that! Saw Jeff last week and thought of you :). Looking forward to enjoying your amazing videos, and sharing them with my nephew who loves Chemistry! Glad to be in touch!

[@blastphame]

I did the Inca trail and let me tell you, it was not fun. I couldn't sleep at night and it felt like I ran a dam marathon. I made it though.

[@BealsScience]

Jamual Harris nice job!

[@ИгорьИжщенков]

Bogota Colombia is at just 8600 feet and when I´m there I always feel like shit, dizzy, fast heartbeat, etc. I have to go there a lot because it´s a stop off point for other major Colombian cities like Cali, Cartagena and Medellin, but I try to catch the next flight the same day or early the following morning. I probably would get REAL effed up at Cusco since it´s MUCH, MUCH higher than Bogota..

[@sandowpiano3826]

I write this from Namche Bazaar, Nepal at 11,000 feet or 3,400m. Climbing to as high as 6100m by end of this trip. I've never trekked, climbed or been at altitude before. I live at sea level. I'm drinking a liter of water every 2 hours. Have barely felt sick at all. We will see

[@BealsScience]

Nepal is on my bucket list!

[@mannyzx1]

What a wonderful video!

[@BealsScience]

Philosorider thank you!

[@alexkay7199]

Man, this video is just perfect! Good information and fun! Looking forward to traveling to Peru! :)

[@BealsScience]

Thank you! I am sure you will find Peru to be as magical as I did! Enjoy your trip.

[@insaneo4430]

Agree with you. I am ready to go to Peru!! So excited!

[@Prez3D]

Wow, my O2 level in Cusco was at 93%. On the way from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu at the highest pass of 4670m at Yanama it was down to 84%. I guess being in good physical condition helps.

[@BealsScience]

+plodej altitude seems to act on everybody differently! We traveled with someone who was at 74%! We got them on oxygen right away!!

[@luisangelgalarraga]

no pasa nada, podes caminar sin problema , diempre llevar agua , el subir escaleras rapido te da la sensacion de cansarte mucho , tranquilo estar. y proceder.......no vas a andar corriendo

[@StrivingMen]

Me daria miedo perder la conciencia y desmayarme ? Hay algún hospital ahí que atiendan a personas que no pueden respirar ?

[@edwins2396]

This is not BS (pun intended), will bring my pulseox to keep an eye on my O2 levels when in Cusco & when hiking the Inca Trail, salud!

[@BealsScience]

Edwin S perfect! If you think of it let me know how your O2 levels turned out!

[@edwins2396]

will do chief, trip is in November though, salud!

[@BealsScience]

Edwin S have an amazing trip! Peru and Machu Picchu are absolutely incredible!!

[@scienceislifeofficial]

Peru!

[@fabizabr]

Amazing vídeo!

[@BealsScience]

Thank you!

[@josephboyle9973]

Craig, Thanks for the video. I'm leaving for Peru in a few weeks. What is your opinion on those small canisters of "oxygen" you can buy for 8 or 10 dollars. People take drags off these cans that is supposed to help them get more oxygen, but I am also reading that they are a hoax and are just cans of air. Thanks, Joe

[@BealsScience]

Good question! I never did dive into the cans of oxygen but they were available in several places around Cuzco and Aguas Calientes (below Machu Picchu). My main recommendation would be to get an oximeter to monitor your oxygen, both for fun and to see how your body is responding. I was amazed how I could feel the altitude and when I put on the oximeter I could tell WHY I was feeling it - it was my oxygen levels and heart rate that were making me feel that way! You can always buy an oxygen can in country if you end up with low oxygen and, given the number of reputable establishments throughout Cuzco, I would think that they are actually filled with oxygen (although it is probably not pure oxygen - that could be unsafe). This is the oximeter I took. It is under $15 and well worth it! amzn.to/2ldM4WP Have a great trip!

[@joetherocku2ube]

Beals Science thanks!

[@buyitos]

You deserve more subscribers and likes!

[@BealsScience]

Thank you! I appreciate it!! And thanks for watching!

[@sathieshnavaratnam4266]

why haven't you made a video in a month now?

[@BealsScience]

I've been working on a series of videos showing experiments using FLIR infrared cameras and now that all the experiments are complete there will be a steady stream of new vids coming to my channel (including: asphalt skiing, making glass from electricity, solar death ray, and a whole lot more!). Thank you for watching!

[@sathieshnavaratnam4266]

+Beals Science I'm so excited for the new types of videos!!!

[@dharrell2000]

Cool video, great trip prep

[@BealsScience]

Thank you! Are you traveling to Peru? If so, have a great time!

[@dharrell2000]

@@BealsScience We are going to Guanajuato, MX with 6700 elevation, thanks

[@sathieshnavaratnam4266]

Awesome video Mr.Beals

[@BealsScience]

Thank you!

[@ujd2930]

Very informative!

[@BealsScience]

eugene donaghey thank you!

[@petinabeckman7494]

Thank you! this is great!

[@BealsScience]

Petina Beckman no problem! Thanks for watching!!

[@BlahBlah-ol6xw]

Thanks for sharing. 😉

[@BealsScience]

Thanks for watching!!

[@elizabethfarrell9650]

Thanks for this. 💚

[@BealsScience]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@buyitos]

Awesome video btw

[@BealsScience]

Thank you!!

[@alfredoq482]

You should go to the rainbow mountain as well !

[@BealsScience]

+Tzz K I agree! We weren’t able to go there but the next time we are in Peru we definitely won’t miss it! Have you been?

[@kevinjimenez3242]

Bienveniso al Perú (=

[@BealsScience]

Perú es un lugar muy especial !

[@carloscruz-jz2nq]

song?

[@BealsScience]

Thanks for the reminder! I meant to include the music in the description. It is updated now and is below. Thanks for watching! Music: Runaways by Silent Partner CC KZbin Audio Hit My Soul by Silent Partner CC KZbin Audio

[@carloscruz-jz2nq]

Beals Science i love The videos whens The next One?

[@BealsScience]

carlos cruz I just sat down to edit the next one but have several in various stages of production: Parabolic Mirror- Burning things with the sun -Melting Styrofoam Heads with Acetone -Making liquid Oxygen and Hydrogen and Methane with liquid nitrogen... -and more!!!

[@BealsScience]

Next one is out now! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJSuYXprbZVsrdk

[@naturalproduct327]

You´re very smart

[@BealsScience]

You’re very kind.

[@Artificial.-_-.intelligence]

Nice video

[@BealsScience]

+shazan shiny thank you!!

[@danielbartsch5235]

you are awesome

[@BealsScience]

+Daniel Bartsch you are way too kind!!!! You are awesomer (if that is an actual word...)!

[@dockeryz]

So what happens if you do start having the symptoms mentioned near the end of the video? Are you just doomed? Will coca tea fix it? It's worrisome to me because I already have high blood pressure.

[@BealsScience]

While I am not a doctor and don't want to give you medical advise, I can tell you that there are ways to deal with the altitude. A lot of places in Cusco and Aguas Calientes (and other towns) sell bottles of oxygen and some people kept those on hand to as a backup. Also, the best thing to do is to slow down when you feel fatigued and let your body build back some oxygen. Your best bet would be to consult your doctor before you plan a trip to Peru so they can offer you advice.

[@hejiranyc]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. BEFORE you get to altitude, take Diamox. Chew coca leaves. Drink coca tea. Drink plenty of fluid. I just got back from Cusco this week (I live at sea level) and the only thing I felt was the occasional shortness of breath whenever I climbed up stairs or hills. And I had to pee like a horse constantly due to the Diamox. No other symptoms at all. By contrast, the last few times I visited Colorado without any preparation, I was sick as a dog. If you get sick anyway, all you can do is just keep medicating and just muddle through it if the symptoms aren't too bad.

[@silviamacaluso5484]

Hi! Did you made the trip and you have some suggestions to give? I am quite worried by altitude sickness as well, but I don't won't this to stop me from going in Peru! Thanks :)

[@dockeryz]

That altitude is no joke. When I finally got to my hostel, I could hardly walk from the bathroom to my bed without running out of breath. But, coca leaves will help. Coca tea, manzanilla tea, muña tea, all of the teas. After about a day you'll forget the altitude. No reason to take over the counter drugs unless you just have a health condition.

[@guccimane99]

Cool

[@BealsScience]

Thanks!

[@LukeStephenson]

...was here a few months ago. Did the lares trek. The altitude almost killed me :)

[@BealsScience]

I'm jealous! We'd hoped to do more trekking but everything was booked more than 9 months out!

[@LukeStephenson]

yeah creazy isnt it, we weren't able to get booked onto the main inca trail either for similar reasons! Interestingly the peruvians we met out there said they had "black blood"....guessing they say that becausethey have less oxygen up there? hmm would have been interesting (/a little bit weird) to see the colour change that the effect of the elevation had on your blood when compared to a colour chart

[@anyelorojas3868]

Lima perú🇵🇪lima perú🇵🇪lima perú👍😘❤👏🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪

[@BealsScience]

Peru!!!

[@kaiser5486]

It is True the Altitude can Kill you!!!!! is Why before do you go to this expedition of Altitude is better to take an ASPIRIN to Prevent Recurrent Heart Attack & Ischemic Stroke., 225 MG is recommended, ask your Physician for the doses. To travel more than a thousand, or more than two thousand kilometers, or more than Eleven thousand Feet above the sea level., requires to be consulted first to your doctor, otherwise you can die., even when you are sleeping. Take care!!!!!!!!!

[@BealsScience]

Great advice!

[@vivianfrackiewicz9311]

Guinea PIG

[@BealsScience]

Lots of guinea pigs!!

[@rjadams9397]

Thanks for s h a ring video

[@BealsScience]

+Richard Adams you are very welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@rucarioho424]

sexy