How to avoid Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
How to avoid Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro, In fact, once you climb above 3,000 metres, more than 75% of Kilimanjaro climbers develop AMS. You know you have acute mountain sickness when your body kicks up unpleasant symptoms like headaches and nausea. Note that age, sex or physical fitness have no link to your likelihood of getting altitude sickness
Staying healthy on Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the biggest factors that might reaching trouble you on your way to Mount Kilimanjaro is altitude sickness. This section also includes tips for your personal first-aid kit.
What is altitude sickness? How to avoid Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
Also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it is an illness that can affect travelers at high altitudes, usually above 2400m (8000 feet) such as on Mount Kilimanjaro. Altitude sickness is the name given to the physiological and symptomatic reactions of the body to the low oxygen pressure (‘thinner’ air) that occurs at high altitude. When oxygen pressure falls, the body reacts by increasing breathing and heart rate and starts to produce more red blood cells. More red blood cells mean more vehicles to carry oxygen in the blood. The body also increases production of an enzyme that causes the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues.
Causes of altitude sickness: How to avoid Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
AMS is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The faster you climb, the more likely you will get AMS. It is not only the height that matters so much, it is the rate of ascent.
You are at higher risk for AMS if you live near sea level and have had the illness before. Others at risk are those with diseases of the heart/lungs such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, people who are anemic and those with a history of thromboses. Older people and children are also more susceptible to AMS.
Symptoms of altitude sickness: How to avoid Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
Your symptoms will depend on the rate of your climb and how hard you push yourself. Symptoms usually start 12 – 24 hours after arrival at altitude and can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles and heart. It is important to remember that reducing the symptoms is not curing the problem. The symptoms of altitude illness are similar to those of a hangover. Initially it starts with a headache, lack of appetite, tiredness and feeling off balance. Many hikers find it difficult to sleep. Then nausea sets in and vomiting starts. Headaches are getting more intense. If you continue, conditions might deteriorate. Sometimes the lack of oxygen can cause the leaking of fluid into the brain and lungs. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) can develop. Our guides are very experienced with AMS. They will be monitoring all symptoms and will take a safe and well-informed decision on whether to proceed or descend. Most often symptoms will be swiftly relieved with decreasing altitude.
More severe acute mountain sickness includes:
- Blue skin and lips (cyanosis) and grey or pale complexion
- Tight chest
- Cough and coughing up blood
- Confusion, decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
- Not being able to walk in a straight line or unable to walk.
Colds : How to avoid Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
The risk of altitude sickness will be increased if you are already suffering from respiratory tract infection such as a cold. If you have the flu, do not travel until you are fully recovered. Both colds and the flu are caused by viruses and anti-biotics will not be effective as it is used against bacterial infections.
Acute upper respiratory tract infections include pharyngitis/tonsillitis and laryngitis. Complications may lead to sinusitis, ear infection and sometimes bronchitis which can all be exacerbated by high altitude.
Some research has shown that restrained exercise might not change the severity and duration of the illness, but the intensity of a Kilimanjaro hike will jeopardize your recovery. Getting plenty of sleep is advised as sleep deprivation is associated with increased receptiveness to infection.
Prevention of altitude sickness
The slower you go, the better you will acclimatize and the higher you are likely to go without experiencing many symptoms. Recognize early symptoms of AMS and if symptoms increase, descend. Your guide will help you take a decision. The only cure is either acclimatization or descent.
- Walk slowly, relax and enjoy.
- Drink plenty of fluids while climbing, at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day.
- Avoid alcohol when ascending
- Talk to your doctor before you attempt to climb Kilimanjaro and ask about the correct preparation, first-aid medication and treatment options for AMS. If you are anemic, ask your doctor for an iron supplement.
Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is an illness caused by exposure to the low air pressure; especially low partial pressure of oxygen, which many climbers experience at high altitudes.
There are a number of practical steps that you can take to minimize the chances of having to abandon your climb of Kilimanjaro due to the effects of altitude sickness:
Acclimatize prior to the climb.
Easier said than done if you live at sea level but if you are able to spend time at high altitude prior to the actual Kilimanjaro climb then this is the very best way to avoid altitude sickness. Climbing Mount Meru prior to Kilimanjaro is also an excellent option.
Start the climb in the best possible health and with an excellent level of physical fitness. If you are fatigued, unwell or stressed you are more likely to suffer from altitude sickness.
Slow and steady.
You need to keep your respiration rate low enough to maintain a normal conversation. If you are panting or breathing hard, you must slow down. Overworking your heart and lungs substantially increases your chance of becoming ill.
Drink much water as you can.
Getting up in the middle of the cold night may be an unpleasant thought but altitude dehydrates you and the better you hydrate the quicker your body is able to acclimatize.
Eat well.
Even though you may not feel like it you should eat as much as you possibly can at every meal. This will give you plenty of energy and help you to feel great. I find it also helps me to keep warm and sleep well at night.
Sleep well.
Sleeping well in a tent is a acquired skill. Spend a few nights out in your tent and sleeping bag prior to your climb so that you have your routine nailed and are used to sleeping in a sleeping bag on a hard surface.
Diamox:
Diamox is the prescription name for the generic drug acetazolamide. And, though acetazolamide is prescribed for the medical treatment of glaucoma, sleep apnea, epilepsy and hypertension, it’s also used to prevent altitude sickness. You should consult with your doctor before taking it. To make your safer kindly bring this medication with you read more here
Relax.
Relax and think positive. Although not pleasant the vast majority of people suffer only mild altitude sickness. Don’t think that every headache is cerebral oedema and every cough pulmonary oedema as this is unlikely. By relaxing and enjoying the climb you are far more likely to have a trouble free experience.
