| ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
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What is Acute Mountain or High Altitude Sickness?
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| Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or High Altitude Sickness occurs as a result of reduced amounts of oxygen found in the air at high altitudes . As altitude increases, the air becomes "thinner," resulting in less oxygen is in the atmosphere. With less oxygen available for breathing, the amount of oxygen in the blood declines and breathing becomes more difficult. |
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What are the symptoms of AMS?
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According to the American Heart Association, symptoms usually begin within 48 hours of arriving at high altitude. The higher the altitude, the greater the effects. People can notice effects when they go to an altitude of 7,000 to 8,000 feet. If you have heart disease (such as heart failure) or lung disease (such as emphysema), you may have symptoms at lower altitudes. Symptoms include:
- Headaches, breathlessness, fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Inability to sleep
- Swelling of the face, hands and feet
- Both heart rate and breathing rate increase as the body tries to send more oxygen to its tissues
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How Do I Avoid/Minimize AMS?
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The American Heart Association recommends the best way to avoid or lessen the effects of mountain sickness is to increase altitude slowly. Climbers and hikers can take two days to reach 8,000 feet, and then another day for each 1,000 to 2,000 higher feet. This may not be an option for people who travel to a destination at high altitude. Most people can adjust or acclimatize to the high altitude within a few days. Here are some tips:
- Avoid strenuous activity for the first day or two.
- Drink extra fluid.
- Be careful of drinking alcohol. Its effect is magnified at high altitude.
- Your doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent or treat altitude sickness.
- If you have a heart or lung condition, consult your physician before going to high altitude. He or she can tell you whether your condition will let your body adjust to the lower oxygen in the atmosphere.
At Good Earth Tours, we recommend staying at a hotel in Moshi or Arusha rather than climbing the mountain directly after arrival. Due to the altitude, a minimum of five days is strongly recommended for a climb, however most people do six days for acclimatization reason, thereby increasing their chances of reaching the summit! |
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