Health Issues At Kilimanjaro

Common Health Issues at Kilimanjaro

Due to Kilimanjaro's Altitude changes and climate conditions, most climbers encounter various health-related challenges. The most common ones are listed below:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) AMS, often called Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, is a common issue for climbers at high altitudes. Symptoms include nausea, headache, exhaustion, rapid pulse, lassitude, insomnia, swelling of hands and feet, and reduced urine output. To avoid AMS:

• Keep a slow pace from the start.
• Add an extra day to acclimatize.
• Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily.
• Consult your doctor for preventative medicine.

In severe cases, AMS can lead to oedema, causing serious lung or brain issues. Immediate descent by 500 meters often alleviates symptoms.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops significantly. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, clumsy actions, confusion, and fatigue. Prevention and treatment include:

• Wearing proper layered clothing.
• Keeping clothes dry from rain and sweat.
• Moving to a sheltered area and warming up in Kilimanjaro Sleeping bags if symptoms appear.

Sunburn

The risk of sunburn increases with altitude due to stronger UV rays. Symptoms include skin redness, blistering, pain, swelling, headaches, shivering, fever, nausea, dizziness, and extreme thirst. To prevent sunburn:

• Use a high-factor sunblock (30+).
• Wear dark glasses with side panels.
• Stay hydrated to combat dehydration.

Foot Problems

You can’t ignore the significance of wearing the right footwear on Kilimanjaro. Ill-fitting boots can cause blisters and pain. Tips for foot care include:

• Wearing well-fitted boots.
• Keeping toenails trimmed short.
• Treating blisters with appropriate plasters or zinc oxide tape.

For detailed information on the types and details of shoes needed for your climb, refer to our Kilimanjaro Packing List.

Fitness

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires good physical fitness. Those with cardiac or lung problems should consult a physician before attempting the climb. Refer to our Training for Kilimanjaro page for more information!

Other Kilimanjaro Health Problems

Aside from the common health issues, there are other health problems that climbers might encounter on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours. A detailed summary of these Health Issues at Kilimanjaro is outlined below:

Summary of Other Health Issues and Symptoms
Health Issue	Symptoms	Prevention/Treatment Tips
Coughs and Colds	Coughing, mucus production, chest pain	Aspirin, lozenges, warm salty water gargles, hydration
Frostbite	Cold, painful, numb, and white extremities	Warm affected areas on body, seek medical help for severe cases
Stomach Problems	Diarrhea, cramps, constipation	Hygiene, rehydration treatments, loperamide
Sleep Deprivation	Inability to sleep, tiredness	Earplugs, eye mask, warmth, avoid sleeping tablets
Gynaecological Problems	Vaginal infections	Bring necessary treatments
Haemorrhoids	Pain, and swelling in the rectal area	Medication, hygiene
Snow blindness	Eye pain, light sensitivity	Sunglasses, eye-drops, rest in dark room
Foot/Ankle/Knee Problems	Blisters, pain, swelling, sprains	Proper footwear, foot hygiene, blister treatment, knee supports

 

Knowing these potential health issues can significantly improve your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience. By being prepared, you can handle these problems effectively and enjoy your climb.

Stay Healthy for a Successful Climb Up Kilimanjaro!

At Ascend Tanzania, we've got your back with all the necessary health tips and support you need. Stay savvy, pack smart, and enjoy every step of your Climbing Kilimanjaro journey to the top. See you at the summit!