Some of the mountaineering companies in Tanzania have introduced a system of checking the climbers – throughout the day – by using a Pulse Oximeter. A Pulse Oximeter is used to check blood oxygen saturation during the climb. This allows the mountain guide to see how their body is adapting to the reduced amount of oxygen at the higher altitudes. If the climbers oxygen saturation is below an acceptable level, they have emergency oxygen for their safety.
What is Hypoxia?
Hypoxia literally means “deficient in oxygen”. Hypoxia is a shortage of oxygen in the body. Hypoxaemia is the reduction of oxygen specifically in the blood; anoxia is when there is no oxygen available at all. Environmental hypoxia is a condition in high altitudes such as mountains where the reduced partial pressure of oxygen available leads to hypoxia. Ischemia is a restriction in blood supply (and therefore oxygen supply) to an organ or section of the body, generally due to constriction or blocking of blood vessels.
What are the symptoms of Hypoxia?
You may not even recognize the symptoms of hypoxia because hypoxia is insidious in its onset. The signs and symptoms can be different for every person and may not occur in the same progression as listed below. Therefore, it is important to be aware of all the signs and symptoms.
Signs:
Rapid Breathing
Cyanosis
Poor Coordination
Lethargy/Lassitude
Executing Poor Judgment
Symptoms:
Air Hunger
Dizziness
Headache
Mental and Muscle Fatigue
Nausea
Hot and Cold Flashes
Tingling
Visual Impairment
Euphoria
Tourists Skip Kenya, Head to Tanzania
Climb Kilimanjaro for The Children's Society
Mt. Kilimanjaro Forum Thread for the week of October 16, 2006
World Leaders Climb Kilimanjaro
paul on Historic Kilimanjaro
James, and Tyler, glad to hear from you... i will send u an email shortly,...hopefully we can conn...
Tyler on Historic Kilimanjaro
Paul and James, My roommate and I are considering a Kili summit in September 2010 on Lemosho rout...
James on Historic Kilimanjaro
Hi Paul, I'm planning a trip in Sept too and I wouldn't mind taking the 'most successful' route....
David from besttravelinsurancequote.co.uk on Travel Insurance for Kilimanjaro
Hi Peter Nice article? Is it you in the stretcher there? I think more people should be taking ...
paul on Historic Kilimanjaro
hello,i am planning in Hiking Kili in September,going alone,hoping to connect with other hikers to d...