Acute mountain sickness

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Respiratory system

High altitude cerebral edema; Altitude anoxia; Altitude sickness; Mountain sickness; High altitude pulmonary edema

Education of mountain travelers before ascent is the key to prevention. Basic principles include: gradual ascent, stopping for a day or two of rest for each 2,000 feet (600 meters) above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters); sleeping at a lower altitude when possible; and learning how to recognize early symptoms so you can return to lower altitude before worsening symptoms occur.

Mountaineering parties traveling above 9,840 feet (3,000 meters) should carry an oxygen supply sufficient for several days.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) helps to speed acclimatization and reduce minor symptoms. Therapy should start one day before the ascent and continue one to two days into the excursion. This measure is recommended for those making a rapid ascent to high altitudes.

Those susceptible to anemia (particularly women) should consult a doctor regarding an iron supplement to correct the condition before traveling in high altitudes. Anemic persons have a reduced red blood cell count, and therefore, a lower amount of oxygen carried in the blood.

Drink sufficient fluids, avoid alcohol, and eat regularly. Foods should be relatively high in carbohydrates.

People with underlying cardiac or pulmonary (lung) diseases should avoid high altitudes.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:2040-2042.

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000:1853. 

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:12-19.

Review Date: 03/21/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.