[Travelling to high altitude areas--acute high altitude sickness]

People show increasing interest in travelling to high altitude areas such as the Himalayas, the Andes and mountains like Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Based on personal experience and published articles, an overview of acute high altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) is given.

High altitude sickness may be mild, moderate or severe, i.e. life threatening. There is a gradual shift in symptoms between these three syndromes. Mild to moderate high altitude sickness are recognized by various degree of headache, apathy, reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting, and when moderate, also peripheral oedemas and fluid retention. High altitude pulmonary oedema and high altitude cerebral oedema are life threatening conditions. High altitude sickness can be prevented by slow ascent. It is important to discover symptoms early. Descent is always the best treatment, but oxygen, portable pressure chambers and medication can be used in special situations. Acetazolamid is effective both to prevent and treat acute altitude sickness. Dexamethasone is an alternative, especially indicated for the treatment of high altitude cerebral oedema. Nifedipine is indicated in the treatment of high altitude pulmonary oedema.