Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness

There are three altitude zones on Kilimanjaro – high altitude (2,500 – 3,500 metres), very high altitude (3,500 – 5,500 metres) and extreme altitude (above 5,500 metres). At high altitude and a very high altitude, there is a great chance to experience Altitude sickness. So a proper acclimatization strategy involves not going too high, too fast whilst also ensuring you don’t overexert yourself and remain well hydrated.

Let’s have a clear idea of Altitude Sickness.

What is Altitude Sickness

The feeling of sickness is caused by being at high altitude, when the level of Oxygen gets low.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is otherwise known as altitude illness, hypobaropathy, Acosta disease, puna, and soroche.

High altitude trekking comes with obvious risks.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), are your biggest concerns on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Facts about Altitude Sickness

• At higher altitudes, the number of oxygen molecules per breath decreases.
• Symptoms of altitude sickness include weakness, sleepiness, and lack of appetite.
• The main causes are climbing to a great height too quickly or staying at that height for too long.
• There are several treatments for altitude sickness, but the individual should first slowly descend.

Symptoms Of Altitude Sickness

• Weakness
• Lack of appetite
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Swelling in hand, face and feet
• Insomnia
• Shortness of breath upon exertion
• Headache and fever

Treatment

• Stop ascending
• Take a good amount of sleep
• Take fluid more and more
• Avoid smoking
• Take pure Oxygen
• Take painkillers