Altitude sickness

I've talked to a few people about their experience on Kili, from the UK, Saudi and US.  They loved their experience however everybody had a major problem on summit day with altitude sickness.  It affects people randomly, regardless of age or fitness level.

Symptoms:

Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness or light-headedness, pins and needles, shortness of breath upon exertion, nosebleeds, persistent rapid pulse, drowsiness, peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet and face), diarrhea, etc.  Severe (nobody should ever be here on this trip) symptoms would be pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) , cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) and retinal hemorrhage.

     

Causes:

The major cause is dehydration and the decrease in barometric pressure.  At 12,000ft, there is roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath.  The body responds by breathing faster, even though oxygen levels increase you can’t reach sea level oxygen concentration and  your body must adjust to having less oxygen.  

What to do???

      Drink lots of fluids and eat as much as possible, which as you climb up    becomes harder, you just won’t feel like eating or drinking much, will have to push!           

Thank god I’m starting from my mile high city and not sea level!!!

*Please feel free to tell me about your own or friend's experiences!  Thank you!