Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Travel Guider
Kilimanjaro altitude sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness, is a common and potentially life-threatening ailment experienced by climbers at high altitudes. Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, poses a significant risk of altitude sickness to its climbers due to its peak being nearly 6,000 m (20,000 ft) above sea level.
The air pressure decreases at high altitudes, and less oxygen is available. This can cause altitude sickness, leading to symptoms like headaches, tiredness, dizziness, feeling sick, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, altitude sickness can cause fluid buildup in the lungs or brain, which can be deadly.
To avoid altitude sickness, climbers should gradually approach the altitude to acclimate. This involves slowly ascending to higher altitudes, allowing the body to adjust to the changes in oxygen levels. Hydration, proper nutrition, and rest are essential in preventing altitude sickness.
If altitude sickness does occur, it is critical to descend to a lower altitude immediately. Supplementary oxygen, medication, and hyperbaric chambers may alleviate symptoms and save lives in extreme cases.
What is altitude sickness?
When attempting to climb Kilimanjaro, it is essential to avoid ascending too quickly to prevent altitude sickness. Altitude sickness occurs when the body struggles to operate on reduced oxygen levels, resulting in adverse reactions. The reduced air pressure at higher elevations minimizes the number of oxygen molecules per breath, with a 40% reduction observed at 3,600m (12,000 ft) compared to sea level. At the summit of Kilimanjaro, the oxygen intake per breath is roughly half that of sea level, which can significantly strain the body, especially during physical exertion.
When climbing Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness can occur due to three factors: elevation, rate of climb, and individual vulnerability. Every person adjusts to elevation at a different pace, so it’s hard to predict how someone will react. Therefore, ascending Kilimanjaro slowly is recommended to give the body enough time to adjust to the decreased oxygen intake with each day’s climb.
An eight- or nine-day climb is recommended to play it safe, providing seven or eight days to reach the summit. This ascent rate suits most people, allowing the body to adjust reasonably well to ever-increasing altitudes.
What is acute mountain sickness?
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a mild altitude sickness requiring close monitoring to forestall progression into a severe form. Vigilance in symptom monitoring is of paramount importance.
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness symptoms can be categorized into two groups based on their severity:
- Â Mild symptoms
- Severe symptoms
Mild symptoms Â
Mild symptoms of altitude sickness are a sign of acute mountain sickness (AMS), the least severe form of altitude sickness. AMS is similar to feeling hungover; its symptoms tend to be more pronounced at night when your respiratory drive is weakened.
AMS symptoms include headaches, insomnia, vivid dreams, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, irritability, muscle aches, swelling, and rapid heartbeat. Recognizing and managing these symptoms quickly is crucial to prevent more severe altitude illnesses.
