Most advice concerning altitude problems is for mountaineering and the like when considerable physical energy may be involved. Driving on Carrera Sudamericana should be far less energetic, however, care should be taken should you need to change a wheel or the like. It is sensible to get plenty of exercise before the event to raise your fitness level.
Dr Bob Pawson, one of the UK’s motorsport doctors, offers the following advice on dealing with altitude.
“Altitude problems can occur as low as 8,000ft. But for most people not until 12,000 ft. Altitude problems are avoided/minimised by acclimatisation. The symptoms can be put off the slower you attain the height. You can expect to become gradually short of breath as you go up and you will also become deficient in energy so some tasks eventually become an effort. Thus tiredness is a problem and also concentration may be impaired and at worst confusion. I guess the cars will suffer more than the crews!”
He goes on to recommend a website www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm from which we have extracted the following:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS is very common at high altitude. At over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) 75% of people will have mild symptoms. The occurrence of AMS is dependent upon the elevation, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Many people will experience mild AMS during the acclimatisation process. The symptoms usually start 12 to 24 hours after arrival at altitude and begin to decrease in severity around the third day. The symptoms of Mild AMS include:
- Headache
- Nausea & Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise
Symptoms tend to be worse at night and when respiratory drive is decreased. Mild AMS does not interfere with normal activity and symptoms generally subside within two to four days as the body acclimatises. As long as symptoms are mild, and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a moderate rate. When driving it is essential that you communicate any symptoms of illness immediately to your co-driver.
Tips for dealing with altitude
- Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatisation is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least four to six litres per day). Urine output should be copious and clear to pale yellow.
- Take it easy and don't overexert yourself when you first get up to altitude. But, light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquillisers, sleeping pills and opiates such as dihydrocodeine. These further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of symptoms.
- Eat a high calorie diet while at altitude.
Preventative Medications
Acetazolamide (Diamox): This is the most tried and tested drug for altitude sickness prevention and treatment. This drug does not mask the symptoms but actually treats the problem. It seems to works by increasing the amount of alkali (bicarbonate) excreted in the urine, making the blood more acidic. Acidifying the blood drives the ventilation, which is the cornerstone of acclimatisation. Side effects include: an uncomfortable tingling of the fingers, toes and face carbonated drinks tasting flat; excessive urination; and rarely, blurring of vision.
You will need to consult your Doctor since this a prescription drug. Take the opportunity to tell him/her where you are going and seek advice.
On our London-Mexico Rally, which followed a similar route, there were no major problems and during the route survey for Carrera Sudamericana two of the unfittest men we know reported no trouble in acclimatising. Just remember:
- Walk slowly, don’t run
- One step at a time on stairs
- Let a local carry your bags
- Drink plenty of water
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
And finally, remember that we will be ascending gradually from sea level at Buenos Aires to the high point at La Paz over a period of seven days so the acclimatisation will be gradual and progressive. And there’s a rest day in La Paz.
Issued 10 January 2006
