Possible Acute Mountain Sickness At Mount Kilimanjaro
If you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you will undoubtedly hear about acute mountain sickness. Tecomate Tours and Safari has provided answers to the most frequently asked questions about acute mountain sickness for individuals who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of altitude disease. WHAT IS ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS? acute mountain sickness is also referred to as altitude sickness and is caused by the body’s failure to acclimatize to decreased levels of oxygen in the blood. At sea level, the oxygen content is roughly 21% and the barometric pressure is 760 mmHg. The oxygen concentration remains constant as altitude climbs, but the number of oxygen molecules each breath decreases due to decreasing barometric pressure. The barometric pressure drops to 483 mmHg at 3,000 meters, resulting in nearly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath. Your body responds by breathing more quicker in order to raise oxygen levels in the blood. Although oxygen levels rise, sea level concentrations remain unattainable. The body must adapt to less oxygen. This is referred to as acclimatization. Acclimatisation is impossible above 5,500 meters, and the body begins to decline. ACCLIMATIZATION The main cause of altitude sickness is ascending too quickly. Your body will adjust to the decrease in oxygen at a specific altitude given enough time. Acclimatization is a process that typically takes one to three days at any particular altitude. After climbing to a higher level, the body must readjust to the new altitude for one to three days. In order to cope with decreased oxygen levels, the body reacts in the following ways: Respiration frequency and depth increases Pressure in pulmonary arteries is increased, “forcing” blood into portions of the lung which are normally not used during sea-level breathing. Additional red blood cells are produced to carry oxygen Enzymes are produced to facilitate the transfer of oxygen from haemoglobin to body tissues. It is imperative that hikers be aware of symptoms of acute mountain sickness during Kilimanjaro and Meru trips and that they communicate with the guide regularly regarding their condition. It is very important to rest and not ascend further if experiencing severe symptoms of AMS. ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS) acute mountain sickness is common at high altitudes, with 80% of people reporting some symptoms over 3,000 meters (9,842 ft). A lot of factors influence the severity of AMS, including climb rate, height, and individual vulnerability. Symptoms often develop 12 to 24 hours after ascending and gradually subside by the third day. Slight AMS symptoms include: Migraine symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of appetite, tiredness, shortness of breath, and inability to sleep. As long as the symptoms are modest, hikers can continue to ascend slowly. All AMS symptoms should be reported to the head guide, who should provide daily progress updates. Average AMS symptoms include: Symptoms include severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, increased weakness and tiredness, shortness of breath, and decreased coordination. Although the hiker may be able to continue walking while experiencing minor AMS symptoms, the typical activity becomes more difficult as the hiker gains altitude. Only medication and descent may currently alleviate AMS symptoms. Even a 300-meter drop will result in a significant improvement. All moderate AMS symptoms should be reported to the guide, who will subsequently decide whether or not to evacuate. Based on his or her symptoms, the climber may be instructed to walk in a straight line. If he or she is unable to walk a straight line on his or her own, an urgent descent is necessary. Severe AMS symptoms include: Shortness of breath, loss of ability to move, diminished mental awareness, and fluid buildup in the lungs are all symptoms of COPD. Severe AMS can only be treated by descending to lower elevations immediately. OTHER SEVERE ALTITUDE-RELATED ILLNESSES Failure to descend to lower elevations may result in two further severe kinds of altitude sickness. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) are two examples. Although these occur less frequently, they are mainly the result of rapid ascents by people who have not been adequately acclimatized. When there is a dearth of oxygen in the body, fluid leaks through the capillary walls into the lungs or the brain. In the event of HAPE, immediate descent is required. Patients should be flown to a medical centre for further care. HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (HAPE) Fluid buildup in the lungs causes HAPE, which can hinder sufficient oxygen exchange. Severe HAPE can result in brain damage, cyanosis, and death. Shortness of breath at rest; fatigue and weakness; a feeling of impending suffocation or drowning; grunting or gurgling sounds when breathing; a persistent cough that produces white, watery, or frothy fluid; disorientation and unpredictable behaviour are all indications of HAPE. Immediate descent is essential in the event of HAPE. Patients should be airlifted to a medical facility for further treatment. HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (HACE) The swelling of brain tissue induced by fluid leakage causes HACE. Headache, loss of coordination (ataxia), weakness, and declining levels of awareness, including disorientation, memory loss, hallucinations, blindness, and coma, are all symptoms. HACE typically occurs after a week or more at a high altitude. Severe cases can be fatal if not handled quickly, and an emergency descent is a life-saving procedure. Following HACE, patients must need follow-up care at a medical center. PREVENTING ALTITUDE SICKNESS The two strategies for preventing altitude-related disorders are proper acclimatization and preventative drugs. This advice is specific to Mounts Meru and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and may not be applicable to other high mountains. Tecomate Tours and Safaris always advise our climbers to follow a ‘pole pole’ pace and drink enough water as the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Inform the guide about your AMS symptoms and keep him and the other group members updated on your progress. Climb high, sleep low. Acclimating during the day by climbing to high elevations and then lowering to sleep is advised. If you have signs of moderate altitude disease, don’t move higher until the symptoms subside. If symptoms become severe, descend. Maintain proper hydration. Acclimatization is frequently accompanied by fluid loss, so drink enough
