Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
Acclimatisation and Altitude Sickness Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when individuals ascend to high altitudes too rapidly, not allowing their bodies sufficient time to adapt to the reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure. This leads to a lack of oxygen, termed hypobaric hypoxia, reaching the body’s tissues. Symptoms typically appear at altitudes above 2,500 meters if individuals have not given their bodies the necessary time to acclimate to the altitude change. Mild altitude sickness symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, a rapid pulse, and shortness of breath. More severe symptoms can involve chest tightness, confusion, coughing, social withdrawal, difficulty maintaining consciousness, changes in complexion or skin color, walking difficulties, and, ultimately, the risk of falling into a coma or facing a life-threatening situation.
Preparations for High Altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro While physical fitness can certainly provide benefits, the ability to adapt swiftly to varying oxygen levels at high altitudes is largely determined by genetics. Predicting how well an individual will manage in an oxygen-deprived environment remains challenging until they experience such conditions. Apart from acclimatizing by spending time at high altitudes, you can effectively explore the use of high-altitude training systems, which can simulate high-altitude conditions and induce beneficial physiological adaptations. If you’re interested in methods for pre-acclimatization, Abakombe Tours can supply you with additional information and guidance on the subject
Symptoms of Altitude sickness
Be familiar with early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.
Diamox** (acetazolamide) 250mg tablets to be taken twice a day from 13,000 feet to the top. This drug is widely used in high-altitude mountaineering and is very highly recommended.
- Mild to moderate altitude sickness symptoms are:
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Dizziness or light-headedness;
- Fatigue;
- Headache;
- Loss of appetite;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Rapid pulse;
- Shortness of breath with exertion.
- Symptoms of more severe acute mountain sickness are:
- Bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis);
- Chest tightness or congestion;
- Confusion;
- Cough;
- Coughing up blood;
- Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction;
- Gray or pale complexion;
- Inability to walk in a straight line, or to walk at all;
- Shortness of breath at rest.
- The complication of Altitude sickness may be:
- Coma;
- Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema);
- Swelling of the brain.
- The most severe cases may result in death due to lung problems or brain swelling.
- Prevention Climbers can take precautions to at least minimize the severity of the illness:
- Climb the mountain gradually with a slow pace;
- Stopping for a day or two every 600 meters over 2400 meters or include an extra day of acclimatization;
- Sleep at lower altitude;
- Drink a lot of fluid;
- Avoid alcohol and eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates;
- Be familiar with early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.
- Diamox** (acetazolamide) 250mg tablets to be taken twice a day from 13,000 feet to the top. This drug is widely used in high-altitude mountaineering and is very highly recommended.
Read more information & Action Guide to High Altitude and consult your physician if required.
