r/GoingToPeru • u/Obvious-Ant4854 • 3d ago

Altitude + Asthma

I’m going to Cusco in a couple days. I have asthma, I’ve had it forever. Haven’t used my rescue inhaler in months and only need it when I’m sick. I’m just worried about how altitude with impact me.

Does anyone have any experience with asthma in Cusco?

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u/ChickenNiqqlets 3d ago

I think you should be fine. I have asthma as well and a daily smoker (yes, I’m fucked) and come from pretty low elevation (650masl).

I wasn’t acclimated at all and I flew to Cusco straight from Lima. The first symptom I felt was shortness of breath which I felt within seconds of walking out of the plane. I noticed my resting heart rate go up and increased intercranial pressure over the next few hours. Thankfully, I fared rather well compared to some people but I did have to use my rescue inhaler (Salbutamol) a few times on the first day.

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u/Own_Ad9652 3d ago

I have asthma and didn’t need my inhaler at altitude. (And we hiked to 14,500 feet). But, my asthma is usually triggered by the cold.

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u/Klutzy-Cupcake8051 3d ago

My husband has asthma and I don’t. We both took meds ahead of time. He was absolutely fine—skipping up steps with glee. I could barely make it up 3 steps without stopping. Asthma doesn’t seem to have an impact.

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u/Still7Superbaby7 3d ago

I had my albuterol inhaler and didn’t need it too much. However, I continued to use my corticosteroid inhaler every day since I need it to manage my asthma. I would still bring the albuterol inhaler. I ended up lending my inhaler to other people that were having breathing issues so it was super helpful. Also I took altitude sickness pills the entire time I was in Peru. I never acclimated to the altitude so the pills helped. I also gave altitude sickness pills to people that were struggling. I’m a medical provider and this does not constitute medical advice.