Can you climb Kilimanjaro with asthma

Can you climb Kilimanjaro with asthma? The short answer is ‘yes’, and many people do. However it is important to recognise that every person’s asthma is different and therefore the impact of high altitude, from person to person, can be experienced in many different shapes and forms. In general, asthma suffers who are fit and healthy, and have their asthma well under control, should not have a problem trekking Kilimanjaro provided they hike slowly, are properly acclimatised before going for the summit and stay alert to changes in their breathing. Below we have provided a brief overview on high altitude trekking and altitude sickness, and how changes in altitude can effect asthma suffers. High altitude trekking and altitude sickness As one climbs in altitude the available oxygen per breath decreases as air density decreases. The lower levels of oxygen lead to a pathological condition called altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS). The body can and does adapt to lower levels of oxygen through the process of acclimatisation.

If one has not properly acclimatised to high altitude, a number of symptoms can arise; the most common being headaches, nausea, fatigue and vomiting. If proper acclimatisation doesn’t occur and a person continues to ascend these symptoms can and most likely will become more acute and ultimately lead to death. Asthma suffers should understand that at an acute level altitude sickness can lead to a condition called pulmonary edema, where fluid leaks into the lungs. This condition can be confused with an asthma attack and treated as such, when in fact it is a deadly altitude sickness symptom.

A golden rule of altitude sickness is if you feel unwell, it is altitude sickness until proven otherwise. Issues associated with severely restricted breathing should necessitate an immediate descent. Treatment for asthma can be given in addition to descent.

Best practice tips for climbing Kilimanjaro with asthma

High altitude and asthma

As noted earlier, every person’s asthma is different. Here are some common high altitude asthma triggers to be aware of:

Cold:

Some people’s asthma may be triggered from the cold temperatures that dominate at high altitude. At altitudes above 5,000m on Kilimanjaro the average temperature is below zero degrees Celsius, and with the wind chill can get down to -20 degrees Celsius on the summit. If your asthma is triggered by cold weather you should ensure that you are properly layered up on summit night (see here for clothing recommendations). Some asthma suffers find it effective to use a neck band to cover and keep warm their throat, mouth and even nose. These bandannas are popular on Kilimanjaro.

Please also note that aerosol inhalers can also freeze. It is important that you keep your inhaler in a warm spot and if you need to use it at high altitude, gently warm the canister by rubbing it between your hands for a minute or two.

Exercise

Exercise-induced asthma is common and a key risk on Kilimanjaro. It is quite difficult to avoid strenuous exercise on Kilimanjaro, especially as oxygen depletion at higher altitudes makes your body work harder. If your asthma is triggered by exercise we recommend making sure that you are as fit as possible before your climb and that you go slowly on trek. The latter is in fact the best strategy for trekking Kilimanjaro as slow progress to altitude aides in the acclimatisation process. Allergies

If your asthma is triggered by allergies like pollen and house-dust mites, you will be pleased to know that exposure to such allergens are much lower at altitude. Your asthma may even show an improvement at altitude.

Asthma on Kilimanjaro

Make sure that your asthma is well-under control before arriving in Kilimanjaro. We recommend seeing your doctor 3-6 months before your trip to Tanzania to review your asthma and trekking plans. Get your doctor to write a medical information letter or asthma attack card that you can carry with you on your trek and share with your tour operators and trekking partners, so that everyone knows what to do should you suffer an attack Ensure that you are at or near your peak fitness by setting up a cardiovascular training regime 3-6 months before departure. 

Here are some tips for climbing  Kilimanjaro with asthma:

• Get your asthma under optimal control before the trip. See your doctor to adjust medications if needed. Make sure you have no asthma symptoms and have had no exacerbations or attacks in the past couple months.
• Make sure to book onto a trek that allows adequate time to acclimatise on Mount Kilimanjaro. We recommend the 7 or 8 day Lemosho route or the 7 day Machame route or 6 day Marangu route.
• Bring 2-3 inhalers and a nebulizer if you use one. Keep inhaled medications accessible and bring extras in case some are lost or damaged.
• Go slowly and take frequent breaks. The slow ascent on Kilimanjaro allows your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Don’t push too hard. Stop often to rest and catch your breath.
• Stay hydrated and avoid getting dehydrated. The dry mountain air can worsen asthma symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids.
• Bring a face mask or scarf to warm the air you breathe in. The cold, dry air can trigger asthma flares. Warming it before inhaling can help.
• Descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Asthma attacks can become dangerous at high altitude. If symptoms are not relieved with medication, go down to lower altitude right away.
• Consider a portable oxygen device if your doctor recommends it. Supplemental oxygen may be helpful for some people with asthma.

Disclaimer

Please note: The information is this article, is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. The information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Research in this area is always progressing which may mean some of this information is out of date. It is your responsibility to seek the latest information should you be going to high altitude.

References: (1) Asthma UK, (2) WebMD, (3) NetDoctor, (4) Academic Studies

So you have asthma, does that mean you are going to struggle at altitude on Kilimanjaro.

Consult your doctor about your fitness level, medications, triggers, and bringing emergency Prednisone. With proper preparation and precautions, summiting Kilimanjaro with asthma is achievable. Listen to your body, go slowly, and descend if symptoms worsen.