04-03-2015, 04:00 PM
Kiana,
I have a little experience of visiting the summit, but am not a medical doctor, so bear that in mind.
Most visitors to the summit get by just fine, especially as most don't spend too much time up there. You and your guests will no doubt suffer minor symptoms of being at altitude: breathlessness, a minor headache, being stupid, but these are normal and nothing to be worried about. Terracore mentioned ibuprofen and that might help with the minor headache you could get.
Severe symptoms to watch for include serious headache, slurred speech, nausea and vomiting. If you or any of your guests show one or more of those symptom, return to sea level immediately. They'll get better on the ride down!
As I said above, most people cope well, so don't be too concerned, just make sure everyone in your group keeps an eye on everyone else and you'll be fine. My other advice would be to make sure you acclimate at the VIS (usual advice is to spend 30 minutes there, but for first-time visitors I would suggest an hour) and to make sure you are well hydrated both before and during the trip. Dehydration is an issue at altitude and is the main reason people suffer headaches up there.
I hope you enjoy the trip!
I have a little experience of visiting the summit, but am not a medical doctor, so bear that in mind.
Most visitors to the summit get by just fine, especially as most don't spend too much time up there. You and your guests will no doubt suffer minor symptoms of being at altitude: breathlessness, a minor headache, being stupid, but these are normal and nothing to be worried about. Terracore mentioned ibuprofen and that might help with the minor headache you could get.
Severe symptoms to watch for include serious headache, slurred speech, nausea and vomiting. If you or any of your guests show one or more of those symptom, return to sea level immediately. They'll get better on the ride down!
As I said above, most people cope well, so don't be too concerned, just make sure everyone in your group keeps an eye on everyone else and you'll be fine. My other advice would be to make sure you acclimate at the VIS (usual advice is to spend 30 minutes there, but for first-time visitors I would suggest an hour) and to make sure you are well hydrated both before and during the trip. Dehydration is an issue at altitude and is the main reason people suffer headaches up there.
I hope you enjoy the trip!