Acute Mountain Sickness is an illness condition which affects mountain climbers, hikers, at high elevations, usually above 8000 feet (2400 meters). The faster you climb to a high altitude like Kilimanjaro, then you will get Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness more likely. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) among climbers during Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro during the winter season.
The level of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is about 21%. As the altitude level increases, the rate continues as before yet the quantity of oxygen particles per breath is decreased. At 12,000 feet (3,600 m) there are generally 40% fewer oxygen particles per breath so the body must conform to having less oxygen. Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, known as AMS, is brought about by the distress of the body to adjust quickly enough to the decreased oxygen at high elevations. Altitude Sickness can happen in certain individuals as low as 8,000 feet, yet genuine symptoms don’t usually happen until more than 12,000 feet.
There are three altitude categories which we can recognize:
- High altitude: 4,900 to 11,500 ft (1,500 to 3,500 m) – AMS and decreased performance is common.
- Very high altitude: 11,500 to 18,000 ft (3,500 to 5,500 m) – AMS and decreased performance are expected.
- Extreme altitude: 18,000 ft and above (5,500 m and above) – Humans can function only for a short span of time, with acclimatization.
So Kilimanjaro is recognized under which category? Kilimanjaro Climb stands at 19,340 feet – in extreme altitude. Still, do you want to be stepped up towards the roof of Africa?
CAUSES OF ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Acute Mountain Sickness is normally produced by reduced air pressure & lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
The best way to avoid Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness is to climb slowly. It is a smart way to put in a couple of days rising to 9850 feet (3000). Over this point climb gradually so the elevation at which you sleep doesn’t expand in excess of 990 feet to 1640 feet (300m to 500m) every night.
SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
The Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Symptoms generally seem within hours of moving to higher altitudes. They vary depending on the harshness of your condition.
Mild Acute Mountain Sickness Symptoms
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle Aches
- Insomnia
- Nausea And Vomiting
- Irritability
- Loss Of Appetite
- Swelling Of Hands, Feet, And Face
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Shortness Of Breath With Physical Exertion
Severe Acute Mountain Sickness Symptoms
- Coughing
- Chest Congestion
- Pale Complexion And Skin Discoloration
- Failure To Walk Or Lack Of Balance
- Social Withdrawal
WHO IS AT RISK FOR ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS?
Higher Risk Factors For Acute Mountain Sickness Includes:
- You live near sea level and then travel to a high altitude.
- You have had the illness before.
- You ascend quickly.
- You have not familiarized yourself with the altitude.
- Alcohol has restricted with acclimatization.
- Medical problems relating to the heart, nervous system, or lungs.
Other Acute Mountain Sickness Risk Factors Includes
- Physical Toil While Ascending To A Higher Altitude
- Traveling To Extreme Heights
- A Low Red Blood Cell Count Because Of Anemia
- Heart Or Lung Disease
- Medicines Like Sleeping Pills, Narcotic Pain Relievers, Or Tranquilizers Lower Your Breathing Rate by taking it.
- Can Past Sessions Of Acute Mountain Sickness
In case you’re planning for Kilimanjaro Trek & ready to climb the top of Africa and have any of the above conditions, consult with your doctor regarding How To Avoid Altitude Sickness Kilimanjaro?
HOW IS ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS TREATED?
Prevention or Treatment for Acute Mountain Sickness changes relying upon its seriousness. You may have the option to avoid inconveniences by just getting back to a lower height. Hospitalization is essential if your doctor verifies that you have brain swelling or fluid in your lungs. You will get oxygen if you have breathing issues.
Medications For Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Includes
- Acetazolamide, To Prevent Breathing Problems
- Blood Pressure Medicine
- Lung Inhalers
- Dexamethasone, To Decrease Brain Swelling
- Aspirin, For Headache Relief
- Other Treatments
Basic Preventions To Treat Milder Conditions Includes
- Returning To A Lower Altitude
- Reducing Your Activity Level
- Relaxing For At Least A Day Before Ascending To A Higher Altitude
- Hydrating With Water
In Summation
- Descent to a lower altitude is the best cure for all forms of Acute Mountain Sickness or Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness.
- For normal symptoms, it is the best way to stopping the ascent and treating with liquids and, at times, drugs.
- For extreme or moderate to-determine acute mountain sickness, descent to a lower elevation and at times, treating with drugs.
HAPE & HACE SYMPTOMS, TREATMENTS & RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
For High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) And High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), it’s recommended to immediate descent to a low altitude and drugs.
HAPE Symptoms Can Includes
Tiredness and weakness, Blue tinge to the skin (cyanosis), breathing difficulties (even when resting), a persistent cough, tightness in the chest, bringing up pink or white frothy liquid (sputum).
HAPE Treatment Includes
Moving down to a lower altitude instantly, taking nifedipine (benefits to reduce chest tightness and ease breathing), use bottled oxygen
HACE Treatment Includes
Move down to a lower altitude instantly, take dexamethasone (a steroid medication that reduces swelling of the brain), bottled oxygen.
HACE Symptoms Can Include
Headache, Weakness, Nausea, and Vomiting, Feeling Confused, Hallucinations, Loss Of Co-Ordination.
To Conclude – Are You Ready To Climb Kilimanjaro With Acute Mountain Sickness?
It is extremely obvious that AMS is an illness condition on Kilimanjaro because of the rapid ascent profile. How to avoid Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness? How one can reach the top of Africa with proper treatment and prevention?
So Remember These 3 Golden Rules When You Are At High Altitude:
- On the off chance that you feel unwell, you have altitude sickness until proven something else.
- Try not to ascend further in the event that you have indications of altitude sickness.
- In the event that you are getting worse with your health condition, at that point descend right away.
On the last note, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a great adventure experience. It shouldn’t be serious on the off chance that you follow the Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness advice above, listening to your climbing guide like Jerry Tanzania Tours. Remember that getting to the summit isn’t as significant as getting down from the mountain in one piece. So contact us & get the best Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Guide.
