KILIMANJARO ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro
People are unable to climb Kilimanjaro because of Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, not a lack of physical condition. The most important factor determining whether you climb Kilimanjaro is how you handle the high altitude. When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, there are numerous things you may do to prevent the acute mountain sickness symptoms.
Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness is the physical suffering brought on by problems adjusting to the decreased oxygen level at higher altitudes, and it occurs at heights above 2500 metres. The majority of occurrences of altitude sickness are moderate, but if it is acute mountain sickness, it can also be fatal.
Altitude Sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro After arriving at a higher elevation, symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, exhaustion, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and incapacity to exercise start to appear within a few hours.
You may occasionally need to be transported to a lower altitude so that your body can acclimatise.
It is unpredictable who will be susceptible to altitude sickness, but if you take the right health precautions when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you won’t get it.
Shorter itineraries are the biggest contributor of Kilimanjaro altitude sickness since they prevent complete acclimatisation and make breathing oxygen uncomfortable.
The Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operator will let you select the lengthier itineraries, giving you more time for full acclimatisation as well as more opportunities to sleep at lower altitudes and spend more time in the highlands.
Before making the travel arrangements, it is preferable to speak with a doctor if you have any existing medical issues.
While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, there are numerous things you may take to prevent the signs of acute mountain sickness. To combat Kilimanjaro altitude sickness while undertaking the most difficult task of your life atop this magnificent mountain peak, ascend high and sleep low.
The Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Three Golden Rules:
When travelling at higher altitudes, keep in mind these three golden rules:
Rule 1: Until proven differently, if you feel sick, you probably have altitude sickness.
Rule 2: If you are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, stop ascending.
Rule 3: If things are becoming worse, descend right away.
Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Prevention:
Prevention is always preferable to cure. The finest Kilimanjaro operator will provide you with an Altitude Sickness Guide For Kilimanjaro Climbs if you are unsure about How To Avoid Altitude Sickness Kilimanjaro while climbing. To avoid getting altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro, follow these steps:
Get ready before ascending:
Consider doing aerobic activities, treadmill running, strength training, hiking, “up and down” walking, and breathing exercises as part of your altitude training for the Kilimanjaro hike.
Before conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, it is advised to pre-acclimatize. A decent pre-acclimatization choice for beginners before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is Mount Meru.
The best Kilimanjaro routes must be chosen so that you have enough time to acclimatise. Make sure the route offers an excellent chance to climb high and sleep low.
Even at lower levels, it is always advised to move carefully and avoid exerting oneself.
4 litres of fluid should be consumed daily.
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, stay away from coffee, stimulants, alcohol, and smoking.
If you take certain precautions before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the answer to the question “Is Climbing Kilimanjaro Safe or Not” is “Yes.” The Climb Kilimanjaro Guide offers some advice on how to avoid altitude sickness.
Consume more water:
There are larger possibilities of becoming dehydrated and developing acute mountain sickness at higher altitudes. Drinking plenty of water will undoubtedly help to avoid Kilimanjaro altitude sickness. Water consumption is encouraged frequently while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Dehydration symptoms resemble those of acute mountain sickness. You must consume enough water, but not too much. Additionally, drinking too much water might be bad for you since it can lower your body’s salt levels, which can lead to fatigue, confusion, seizures, and coma. Urine analysis is the most accurate approach to determine how well hydrated your body is.
Dark urine signifies dehydration and the need to drink more water, while clear urine suggests appropriate hydration.
Slowly stroll:
The Swahili phrase “Pole Pole” means “slowly slowly” and is frequently used by the porters. We all know that consistency is the key to success. A sprint or marathon are not comparable to climbing Kilimanjaro. You must take your time to acclimatise to the low oxygen levels on the mountain, which will allow your body to gradually adjust to the shortage of oxygen. This is the crucial step to take in order to succeed on the mountain. Avoid moving quickly through the mountains since this may cause you to feel dehydrated.
It is preferable to move along at a rate that allows you to converse with other climbers. You will need to move forward by taking a deep breath while moving extremely slowly and pausing after each step. Always take your time, take in Kilimanjaro’s beauty, and take in the expansive views. You can get altitude sickness if you ascend too quickly, which would make it challenging to keep going. More time is given to the body for acclimatisation the slower you walk.
Walking High and Sleeping Low
Maintaining a “Walk high and sleep low” posture is the best acclimatisation strategy for climbing Kilimanjaro. You will have enough time for proper acclimatisation by walking high and sleeping low. Make eating, hiking, and sleeping routines while on the mountain. You will require enough sleep, which is crucial in the highlands. But you might be unable to sleep due to fluctuations in altitude.
As time goes on, the quality of your sleep gets better. It indicates that you are acclimating as well as recovering from daily activities better. It is advised against wasting energy by extending it throughout the day. When required, you must take breaks. Spend time relaxing and lying down in your tent when you are camping. Put on your sleeping garments after taking off your hiking attire. If you don’t feel like eating, eat dinner. If you’re not willing to sleep yourself, get a good night’s sleep.
Diamox use
Before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, find out what medications are available to treat altitude sickness.
A medication known as Diamox or acetazolamide has been shown to prevent altitude sickness. Through its diuretic effects and urination-inducing effects, the medication aids in reducing blood acidity. It is a preventative medication, not a treatment, for AMS. Since Diamox is a prescription medication, it is recommended that you speak with a doctor before using it.
Additionally, it is advised to take Diamox for 2-3 days two weeks prior to your vacation to see whether you have any negative effects.
The following are the main side effects of Diamox:
Most of them report frequent urination when taking Diamox. It is recommended to drink more water when taking this medication as it may cause the development of kidney stones.
The sensation of numbness and tingling in the toes, fingers, and face is somewhat uncomfortable but not harmful.
Changes in flavor—normal food may taste strange.
Diarrhoea, Vomiting, and Nausea These negative consequences are uncommon, though.
Additionally probable are bewilderment and sleepiness.
Some people take half of the 250 mg tablet of Diamox in the morning and the other half in the evening.
Use Dexamethasone and Prednisolone as directed for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), including High Altitude Pulmonary Edoema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edoema (HACE).
Inform your climbing guide if you have symptoms of severe AMS so they can alert the Kilimanjaro Rescue team to evacuate you or your hiking companion right away.
We sincerely hope that following these pre-guided safety measures and advice will help you avoid experiencing Kilimanjaro altitude sickness while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.