Climbers ignore risk of altitude sickness
Wednesday October 20th, 2010
Too many mountain climbers are taking unnecessary risks at high altitude because they are not aware of the dangers, according to a university study.
Researchers
at the University of Edinburgh found that of the 200 climbers who were
assessed as they ascended Kilimanjaro, almost half were suffering from
altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness occurs above 2,500 metres and is caused by climbing too fast and not acclimatising properly. Symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbance, but is potentially fatal.
The study, published in the journal High Altitude Medicine and Biology, saw scientists camped at 4,730 metres on the mountain for three weeks so they could examine climbers for symptoms of altitude sickness.
They found that during the steep ascent, neither altitude sickness drugs nor a rest day during the climb had a major effect against the disorder. They concluded that climbers were going up so steeply that drugs could not protect against the harmful effects of the altitude.
Stewart Jackson, who conducted the study, said: "We found that many climbers knew little or nothing about altitude sickness, and did not have previous experience of being at high altitude. This research emphasises the need to increase awareness of the risks of altitude sickness and the importance of taking your time to acclimatise.
“Undertaking an acclimatisation trek before attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro offers climbers the best chance of a safe, successful summit."
Last year more than 25,000 climbers scaled Mount Kilimanjaro. The peak, at 5,895 metres, is the world's highest free-standing mountain, but most people have no exposure to high altitude before making their ascent because the mountain's base is only 1,860 metres above sea level.
Opportunities for acclimatisation can be found on Mount Meru, which is 4,566 metres high and located close to Mount Kilimanjaro.
The researchers have also published some new advice about how to climb safely and avoid altitude sickness.
Tags: Traveller Health | UK News
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