Vesuvius

[Molmo]

Anyone walked up to Vesuvius? Any issues?

[Elaiworthy]

I did a few years ago. They provide walking sticks can’t remember if there’s a charge. It was ok but took my time. It’s a proper path with a steady incline. Our coach took us up to a car park so far up.

[Oldandgray]

Yes and had my ventalin with me. I’m in my 70’s and sadly the asthma got to me before I reached the top despite lots of rests.

[Jollygood]

Hi molmo,

I’m getting the impression you’re an adrenaline junkie! You’re braver than me, I can’t even climb a ladder I’m so petrified of heights. Enjoy your adventures!

[Molmo]

There may be some truth there. I love the outdoors and have always had adventures but I must admit since my asthma diagnosis I’m a bit more careful. At one point I thought it was my rucksack design that was stopping me from breathing properly. Doh.

[Poobah]

Having visited places like Yellowstone, where sulphur and other gases are higher than normal, I would imagine that Vesuvius is similar as it's a live volcano. Apart from the challenge of the ascent, you may find gases could trigger asthma symptoms. There's a couple of posts on TripAdvisor about the challenges of Vesuvius for asthmatics, highlighting the steep climb and gases.

[peege]

Not Vesuvius however, when sailing around the Aolean Islands I couldn't accompany my partner to walk up the live volcano on Stromboli due to the fumes. It was awful even though I stayed on the boat alone as far as possible from the fumes with anchor dropped. I was so disappointed because it was spectacular with blobs of molten rock shoot in up & plopping in to the sea with hundreds of sizzles. The breeze must have been coming my way because the previous evening we'd pulled up on the beach (black sand) then walked up hill to Stromboli town for supper & that had been fine.I suppose it would depend on your level of asthma, the temperature & the Vesuvius fumes on the day.

[Llamafarmer]

I have- it was a steep walk at times with a rocky path and I would advise against doing it at the hottest part of the day. Exercise can exacerbate my asthma but I found it no different from walking up any other kind of steep hill. I just took it easy and took my ventolin beforehand.