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Medical Advice for Mount Kinabalu Climbers
After preparing
your health and
fitness before the climb, you have to prepare for any medical ailments
during the climb. Most of the problems during the climb involved are
acute mountain sickness, ankle and knee injuries, hand blisters and
stomach problem (from the untreated mountain water). It is advisable
for you to have your own personal first aid pack.
Although
your guide and the Kinabalu
Park Rangers have first aid
box, most of
the
time it is not that complete. Below are the suggested medications that
should be in your own personal first aid pack.
Should
I
take
malaria prevention medication before going to Mount Kinabalu?
PERSONAL FIRST AID PACK
- Painkillers
(paracetamol/PANADOL is adequate. Strong painkillers should not be
taken as they may mask the symptoms of altitude sickness)
- Blister
treatment
- Anti-nausea/anti-vomiting
tablets
- Antihistamines
- Imodium
or other
anti-Diarrhea tablets
- Plasters/Band
Aids
- Sun
block for
skin & lips (Factor 15+)
- Knee
supports
etc.
- Oral
rehydration
salts/sachets
- Insect
repellent
containing DEET
- Diamox
and Hydrocortisone are not
necessary
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
As Mount
Kinabalu is categorized in
Very High altitude scale (12,000 -
18,000 feet [3,658 - 5,487 meters]), the risk of you getting altitude
sickness or acute
mountain sickness (AMS) is there. Laban Rata, the
place for you to stay overnight before ascending to Low's Peak is at
the High altitude scale (8,000 - 12,000 feet [2,438 - 3,658 meters]).
Since few people have been to such altitudes, it is hard to know who
may be affected. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or
physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude
sickness. Some people get it and some people
don't, and some people are
more susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet
(2,438 meters) with minimal effect. If you haven't been to high
altitude before, it's important to be cautious.
AMS
is common at
high altitudes. At elevations over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), 75% of
people will have mild symptoms (Laban Rata is at 3,270 meters/10,728
feet). The occurrence of AMS is dependent upon the elevation, the rate
of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Many people will experience
mild AMS during the acclimatization process. The symptoms of
Mild AMS are headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of
appetite, nausea, disturbed sleep, and a general feeling of malaise.
Symptoms tend to be worse at night and when respiratory drive is
decreased. If you experience the above symptoms, panadol/paracetamol or
brufen (painkiller) usually adequate to relieve the symptoms. If the
symptoms persistent and not relieved by medications, it is advisable
not to continue your climb. However, most of the climbers is up and
running again with some panadol.
These
are some
tips for prevention of AMS:
- If you
begin to show
symptoms of moderate altitude illness, don't go higher until symptoms
decrease ("Don't go up until symptoms go down").
- Keep
in
mind that
different people will acclimatize at different rates. Make sure all of
your party is properly acclimatized before going higher.
- Stay
properly
hydrated. Acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you
need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4
quarts per day). Urine output should be copious and clear.
- Take
it
easy; don't
over-exert yourself when you first get up to altitude. Light activity
during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases
during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.
- Avoid
tobacco and
alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates,
tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease
the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of the
symptoms.
- Eat a high
carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates)
while at altitude.
- The
acclimatization
process is inhibited by dehydration, over-exertion, and alcohol and
other depressant drugs.
- If
symptoms increase,
go down, down, down!
Source:
Outdoor Action Guide to High Altitude:
Acclimatization and Illnesses by Rick Curtis, Director, Outdoor Action
Program
If
you would like to know more about Acute
Mountain Sickness, 'Altitude
Sickness' is a very good travel
companion guidebook to have. It is lightweight and handy, very suitable
for you to read it during your
leisure time at Laban Rata.
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