Kilimanjaro Mountain Sickness Acute mountain sickness is the
least dangerous of several kinds of altitude illnesses that can occur. This sickness affects close to
half of all people who begin near to sea level and climb to 4,500m of elevation without scheduling
enough rest time. At higher altitudes, the pressure
of the air around you (barometric pressure) decreases so there is less oxygen in surrounding air. People
can live comfortably at moderately high altitudes, but the body must make some adjustments, and this
takes time. If you ascend to altitudes above 2,500m, you will be in danger of developing uncomfortable
or dangerous symptoms from the change in altitude. Climbers can take precautions to at least minimise
the severity of the illness, by maintaining a slow steady pace from day one, include an extra day
of acclimatisation at a high altitude and by drinking at least 3-4 litres of water every day.
The symptoms of AMS include in the order normally experienced; headaches, nausea, anorexia, exhaustion,
lassitude, rapid pulse, insomnia, swelling of the hands and feet and reduced urine output. Symptoms from
mountain sickness improve if you descend to lower altitude quickly. For very mild symptoms, a
delay before further climbing may be enough to allow symptoms to go away. |
