Illness in the Wilderness: What to Prepare For

June-July 1999

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web

by Sue Handel with thanks to Mercia Sixta

A wilderness paddling adventure is a voyage of self-reliance, which is part of what draws us out there. As supply stores and service centers become ever more accessible, we urban dwellers are losing the ability to survive on our own merits - our abilities and sensibilities have become dulled. Regaining a bit of the 'ol survival instinct is the draw of the wilderness for many adventurers. But heading "out there" requires a fair bit of preparation and training.

In getting ready for a wilderness adventure, we often focus on worst case scenarios. But, as the saying goes, "take care of the little things and the rest will take care of itself." Avoiding major incidents, starts with taking care of our essential needs - a critical part of risk management.

For example, kayakers are known to be prime candidates for dehydration because our fear of having to pee while out on the water keeps us from drinking enough. Dehydration, leading to headaches and dizziness, is a perfect catalyst for an accident. (Ever heard of the snowball effect?)

Here are some very common health problems that you or members of your group may encounter while on wilderness adventures. Most of these problems can be easily managed in the field with immediate attention and the right tools in your medical kit. Although these are relatively minor in themselves, left unattended they can cause unnecessary discomfort or become a factor in a serious incident. There are both herbal and pharmaceutical remedies to choose from and you should add your own tried and true treatments as well.

We advise you to consult with a health professional for advice specific to your health needs, and be sure to work through Paul's questions in the previous article.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

  • Goldenseal Root Capsules: take 1 or 2 every 15 minutes as an antihistamine "Note: Do not take daily for more than one meek at a time, or during pregnancy.

  • Non-drowsy antihistamines like Hismanal, Seldane, Claritin or Reactine

  • For severe allergic reactions (hives/ welts, wheezing, tightness/ swelling of the tongue and throat, abdominal cramps) an Epipen is considered easier to use than an Anakit and serves to administer an insulin injection. An antihistamine such as Reactine is also recommended. In this case hospital care is needed.

SENSITIVE TEETH (from a break or chip)

  • combine oil of clove with sugarless chewing gum and apply to sensitive tooth.

CONSTIPATION

Prevent with fruit, vegetables, fluids and rest stops.

  • Colace is a stool softener. Senekot and Magnolax are mild laxatives and castor oil also works.

DIARRHEA

Prevent with proper food handling /cooking and ensuring dean water. If it's too late: avoid lactose (dairy products), and use Imodium after each loose bowel movement up to 8 a day.

  • Charcoal tablets (4 every hour until diarrhea subsides) can bring relief.

  • Gastrolyte powder mixed with sterilized water is an excellent replacement fluid for severe vomiting and diarrhea.

NAUSEA, SEA SICKNESS

Lighter meals, sun-visor/glasses, looking in the distance, etc. can help. Also try:

  • Ginger capsules: take 1 or 2 caps before travelling to avoid sickness. Take one every 2 hours if sickness develops.

  • Gravol helps but can cause drowsiness.

COLD SYMPTOMS

Nothing can cure a cold, but the following may help you feel better:

  • Echinacea boosts the immune system and can be taken at the first sign of a cold.

  • Zinc lozenges may bring relief of a sore throat.

  • Propolis tincture to relieve sore throat, cold or flu, gargle 15 drops in water and swallow.

  • Tylenol for achiness, Maxenal or Sudafed for congestion, Dristan for runny nose/congestion

TO INDUCE VOMITING

  • The old finger down the throat works. You can also try Ipecac Syrup. Take 2 Tbsp followed by four or five glasses of water. Keep the person walking if possible and repeat once only, if person hasn't vomited in 20 minutes

INFECTION PREVENTION

  • Apply cayenne directly to the wound.

  • Topicals include Bacitracin (liberal amounts keep gauze from sticking to wound), Polysporin and Fucidin.

ACHES/PAINS/FEVER

Muscle cramps due to electrolyte imbalance can be treated by replacing electrolytes. Eat foods such as bananas, oranges and tomatoes. Beware of energy drinks such as Gatorade which aren't high in electrolytes.

  • Tylenol for minor pains and fever, Aspirin for minor pains and fever, also for tendonitis, Advil for pain from minor sprains, tendonitis, menstrual cramps, Robaxisol for muscle cramps, good before bed for achy muscles.

See the book Prescription for Natural Healing,

James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, Avery Publishing Group, 1997