Cheap car hire Bolivia - High-altitude Health Risks

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High-altitude Health Risks

HIGH-ALTITUDE HEALTH RISKS: Prior to departing the U.S. for high-altitude locations over 10,000 feet above sea level, such as La Paz, travelers should discuss the trip with their personal physician and request information on specific recommendations concerning medication and lifestyle tips at high altitudes. Although coca-leaf tea is a popular beverage and folk remedy for altitude sickness in Bolivia, possession of these tea bags, which are sold in most Bolivian grocery stores, is illegal in the United States.

Official U.S. Government travelers to La Paz are provided with the following information: The altitude of La Paz ranges from 11,000 feet to over 13,000 feet (3,500 to 4,000 meters) above sea level. Much of Western Bolivia is at the same altitude or higher, including Lake Titicaca and the Salar de Uyuni, and the cities of Oruro and Potosi. The altitude alone poses a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, if you have a medical condition that affects blood circulation or breathing.

The State Department's Office of Medical Services does not allow any official U.S. Government travelers to visit La Paz if they have any of the following:

-- Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait: 30 percent of persons with sickle cell trait are likely to have a crisis at elevations of more than 8,000 feet.

-- Heart disease: A man 45 years or older, or a woman 55 years or older, who has two of the following risk factors (hypertension, angina, diabetes, cigarette smoking, or elevated cholesterol) should have a stress EKG and a cardiological evaluation before the trip.

-- Lung disease: Anyone with asthma and on maximum dosage of medication for daily maintenance, or anyone who has been hospitalized for asthma within the last year should not come to La Paz.

-- Given potential complications from altitude sickness, pregnant women should consult their doctor before travel to La Paz and other high-altitude areas of Bolivia.

All people, even healthy and fit persons, will feel symptoms of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) upon arrival at high altitude. Most people will have increased respiration and increased heart rate. Many people will have headaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, minor gastric and intestinal upsets, and mood changes. Many travellers limit physical activity for the first 36 to 48 hours after arrival and avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week after arrival.

For additional information, travelers should visit the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/ith/chapter03_01.html as well as the CDC's travel warning on high altitude sickness at their website given above.