It should be self-understood that you talk with your medical doctor prior to leaving to Tanzania and it's mandatory before you book any tour involving high altitude treks (i.e. Meru, Kili or others). If you have cardiac problems, high/low blood pressure, pulmonary/ respiratory difficulties you should discuss your options with your doctor. Note that park regulations restrict trekking above 3000m if you have a cold, sore throat, cough or above normal temperature
Mountain sickness
Every trekker should be aware of the conditions that are likely to occur on the mountain, so necessary steps should be taken to avoid them. Conditions, symptoms and remedies suggested here are by no means exhaustive and should only be used as a guideline. Further reading in preparation on any mountain related sickness is recommended and is the responsibility of the client. Frostbite: If exposed to very temperatures, soft tissues in the fingers and toes can be destroyed. Good warm insulated gloves for the fingers and thick wool socks for the feet can greatly reduce that risk. Hypothermia: Hypothermia is a serious, life-threatening condition when body's core temperature drops below a critical point. Proper warm, wind- and rain-resistant, but breathable and layered clothing that keeps you warm and ventilated can avoid this. Acute Mountain Sickness: As a direct result of lower oxigen content and lower air pressure, mountain sickness causes symptoms including nausea, headache (common), vomiting, fatigue, swelling of hands/feet. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Although every body reacts differently to altitude and can even affect the very fit, the most efficient way to reduce its risk is proper acclimatization, i.e. climb very gradually and spend sufficient time at different, increasing altitude levels. It's important to ascend slowly and eat and especially drink properly. Others conditions, pulmonary edema etc: Related to altitude sickness, symptoms include shortness of breath, gurgling sounds from chest, production of frothy white sputum, cough (sometimes sputum is blood tinged). This is a serious and dangerous condition, and you should immediately tell your guide and go back down. Attempting to continue the climb can kill you.
