Mild Altitude Sickness - Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
Altitude Sickness > More in this Category > Preparation > First Layer Clothing > Outer Layer Clothing > Equipment > Food & Rations > Fitness Programme > Acclimatisation > Severe Altitude Sickness > Edema > Medication
Altitude Sickness, and in particular Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a condition that presents itself when Acclimatisation lags behind ascent. In effect, there is no way to tell if a person will in fact suffer this illness during their ascent of Kilimanjaro. Unlike many other medical conditions, factors such as Fitness and Medication have no bearing on whether or not an individual will succumb to AMS.
Whilst there is no way to prevent AMS from occurring, research suggests that certain factors do make a person less likely to develop symptoms of the condition. Gender appears to play an important role, with females being far less susceptible to AMS than their male counterparts. Conversely, having healthy lungs and being a seasoned climber appear to have no effect on the reduction of susceptibility.
In its mildest form, AMS first presents itself as a headache accompanied by either insomnia, nausea, or just a general feeling of lethargy. Although not the most pleasant of experiences, mild AMS will not have any serious consequences if treated correctly.
Travel sickness tablets such as Stugeron and Avomine will help with nausea, as will an oxygen mask. Ginger has also been proven to be a fast acting natural alternative in the treatment of nausea. Similarly, a good dose of Neurofin or Aspirin should be enough to cure climbers of their headache. With sufficient rest and no further ascent, symptoms should subside in a couple of hours.
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The Kilimanjaro Experience
