All climbers are encouraged to read up on altitude sickness before climbing. You should familiarize yourself with the causes and symptoms of altitude sickness prior to your departure. To summarize, a dramatic change in altitude occurring too quickly can result in acute mountain sickness (AMS), which causes the following symptoms:
- Headaches (non dehydration-related)
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sharp pains on skin
- Rapid pulse that does not slow
- Fatigue, weakness, drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swelling of hands, feet, face
Life-threatening symptoms of AMS can include:
- Pulmonary edema: a buildup of excess fluid in the lungs. Symptoms of pulmonary edema are a cough, fever, and constant shortness of breath.
- Cerebral edema: swelling of the brain due to buildup of fluids. Symptoms of cerebral edema are an untreatable headache, vomiting, difficulty walking, and eventual loss of consciousness.
Most climbers should expect to experience at least some of the aforementioned symptoms, though the severity of them is usually low. Since ascent climbs gain altitude at a slow rate, your body should have the time necessary to acclimatize itself to the changing altitude. Mild symptoms can be treated during the ascent.
However, physical fitness is one of the best ways to overcome symptoms of AMS. Having a higher level of physical fitness allows the body to function more efficiently with less oxygen than it would otherwise. A fit body will also be quicker to acclimatize to the conditions on Kilimanjaro and will enable a more enjoyable experience getting to the top.