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Kilimanjaro gallery
Look who made it to the top of Kilimanjaro this week!
Other Kilimanjaro health problems
Coughs and colds on Kilimanjaro
These are common on Kilimanjaro. Aspirin can be taken for a cold; lozenges containing anaesthetic are useful for a sore throat, as is gargling with warm salty water. Drinking plenty helps too. A cough that produces mucus has one of a number of causes; most likely are the common cold or irritation of the bronchi by cold air which produces symptoms that are similar to flu. It could, however, point to altitude sickness.
A cough that produces thick green and yellow mucus could indicate bronchitis. If
there is also chest pain (most severe when the patient breathes out), a high fever
and blood-
Exposure on Kilimanjaro
Also known as hypothermia, this is caused on Kilimanjaro by a combination of exhaustion, high altitude, dehydration, lack of food and not wearing enough warm clothes against the cold. Note that it does not need to be very cold for exposure to occur. Make sure everyone, particularly your porters, is properly equipped.
Symptoms of exposure on Kilimanjaro
These include a low body temperature (below 34.5ºC or 94ºF), poor coordination, exhaustion and shivering. As the condition deteriorates the shivering ceases, coordination gets worse making walking difficult and the patient may start hallucinating. The pulse then slows and unconsciousness and death follow shortly.
Treatment involves thoroughly warming the patient quickly. Find shelter as soon as
possible. Put the patient, without their clothes, into a sleeping-
Frostbite on Kilimanjaro
The severe form of frostbite that leads to the loss of fingers and toes rarely happens to trekkers on Kilimanjaro. You could, however, be affected if you get stuck or lost in particularly inclement weather. Ensure that all members of your party are properly kitted out with thick socks, boots, gloves and woolly hats.
The first stage of frostbite is known as ‘frostnip’. The fingers or toes first become cold and painful, then numb and white. Heat them up on a warm part of the body (eg an armpit) until the colour comes back. In cases of severe frostbite the affected part of the body becomes frozen. Don’t try to warm it up until you reach a lodge/camp. Immersion in warm water (40ºC or 100ºF) is the treatment. Medical help should then be sought.
Gynaecological problems on Kilimanjaro
If you have had a vaginal infection in the past it would be a good idea to bring a course of treatment in case it recurs.
Haemorrhoids on Kilimanjaro
If you’ve suffered from these in the past bring the required medication with you since haemorrhoids can flare up on a trek up Kilimanjaro, particularly if you get constipated.
Snowblindness on Kilimanjaro
Though the snows of Kilimanjaro are fast disappearing, you are still strongly advised to wear sunglasses when walking on the summit – particularly if you plan on spending more than just a few minutes up there – to prevent this uncomfortable, though temporary, condition.
Ensure everyone in your group, including porters, has eye protection. If you lose
your sunglasses a piece of cardboard with two narrow slits (just wide enough to see
through) will protect your eyes. The cure for snow-
Sunburn on Kilimanjaro
Protect against sunburn on Kilimanjaro by wearing a hat, sunglasses and a shirt with a collar that can be turned up. At altitude you’ll also need sunscreen for your face.
Care of feet, ankles and knees on Kilimanjaro
A twisted ankle, swollen knee or a septic blister on your foot could ruin your trek up kilimanjaro so it’s important to take care to avoid these. Choose comfortable boots with good ankle support. Don’t carry too heavy a load. Wash your feet and change your socks regularly. During lunch stops take off your boots and socks and let them dry in the sun. Attend to any blister as soon as you feel it developing.
Blisters on Kilimanjaro
There are a number of ways to treat blisters but on Kilimanjaro prevention is far
better than cure. Stop immediately you feel a ‘hot spot’ forming and cover it with
a piece of moleskin or Second Skin. One trekker suggests using the membrane inside
an egg-
Sprains
You can lessen the risk of a sprained ankle on Kilimanjaro by wearing boots which offer good support. Watch where you walk, too. If you do sprain an ankle, cool it in a stream and keep it bandaged. If it’s very painful you’ll probably have to abandon your trek and return to your hotel. Aspirin is helpful for reducing pain and swelling.
Knee problems
These are most common after long stretches of walking downhill -