Quito altitude questions?
Dec 22, 2017, 5:03 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Motown
Programs: DL, WN, AA, IHG Diamond, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,408
Quito altitude questions?
How much time should be allowed to acclimate to the high altitude? Possibility of altitude sickness?
Asking because years ago in Mexico City I tended to experience shortness of breath.
Thanks.
Asking because years ago in Mexico City I tended to experience shortness of breath.
Thanks.
Dec 23, 2017, 3:37 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,338
Difficult to answer because its a VERY individual thing....(and doesn't always equate neatly to health/age/fitness) . Given the shortness of breath you experienced in Mexico City (7200 ft) then Quito at 9000 might be a problem.... the usual advice applies I suppose... stay hydrated, don't exert yourself, some recommend increasing your carbohydrate intake... and take aspirin if that's not a problem for you........shouldn't take more than a day or two to reach a reasonable level of acclimatisation....
Dec 24, 2017, 10:06 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA/AA
Posts: 1,741
A couple of thoughts:
If breathing is an issue, pick up a Albuterol inhaler. It's a prescription drug in the USA, but you can get it over the counter in Quito.
It will be marketed in Ecuador as either Salbuterol or Ventolin.
You might also pick up some Zolpidem (5 or 10 mg) if insomnia is an issue. It's sold over the counter in Ecuador.
Zolpidem is marketed as Ambien is the USA.
If you can get some coca leaves to chew once you get to Quito, do so. It's sold most everywhere, but most typically in small neighborhood markets. Coca leaves are truly a miracle cure for altitude symptoms.
Finally, get a prescription for Diamox before you go. It works well, but takes two-three days to kick in.
If breathing is an issue, pick up a Albuterol inhaler. It's a prescription drug in the USA, but you can get it over the counter in Quito.
It will be marketed in Ecuador as either Salbuterol or Ventolin.
You might also pick up some Zolpidem (5 or 10 mg) if insomnia is an issue. It's sold over the counter in Ecuador.
Zolpidem is marketed as Ambien is the USA.
If you can get some coca leaves to chew once you get to Quito, do so. It's sold most everywhere, but most typically in small neighborhood markets. Coca leaves are truly a miracle cure for altitude symptoms.
Finally, get a prescription for Diamox before you go. It works well, but takes two-three days to kick in.
Dec 28, 2017, 3:30 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 132
I'd also avoid alcohol. I recall on a ski trip getting the most intense headache I've ever experienced, and that was after just *one* drink. And, no, that wasn't a 16oz martini or the like, lol.
Jan 3, 2018, 10:21 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,507
A couple of thoughts:
If you can get some coca leaves to chew once you get to Quito, do so. It's sold most everywhere, but most typically in small neighborhood markets. Coca leaves are truly a miracle cure for altitude symptoms.
Finally, get a prescription for Diamox before you go. It works well, but takes two-three days to kick in.
If you can get some coca leaves to chew once you get to Quito, do so. It's sold most everywhere, but most typically in small neighborhood markets. Coca leaves are truly a miracle cure for altitude symptoms.
Finally, get a prescription for Diamox before you go. It works well, but takes two-three days to kick in.
With the Diamox (generic name is Acetazolamide) be sure to start taking it a 24 to 36 hours before getting to your destination. Of course, talk to your doctor about using it because it is not indicated for people with kidney or liver conditions and certain allergies, among other things.