[High altitude sickness - review]

Area of Science:

• Altitude Medicine
• Human Physiology

Background:

• High altitude sickness encompasses illnesses occurring above 3000 meters.
• Hypoxia is the primary cause, with complex pathophysiology involving human response.
• Common symptoms include headache, appetite loss, nausea, and sleep disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review high altitude physiology and acclimatization.
• To describe types of high altitude sickness, focusing on symptoms and diagnosis.
• To review treatment and prevention strategies for altitude illnesses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of high altitude physiology.
• Description of high altitude sickness pathophysiology.
• Analysis of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Main Results:

• Acute mountain sickness presents with severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
• Severe forms include high altitude cerebral edema and high altitude pulmonary edema.
• Prevention involves slow ascent and avoiding overexertion; medications can manage symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Understanding high altitude physiology is key to managing altitude sickness.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for preventing severe outcomes.
• Effective prevention strategies significantly reduce the incidence and severity of high altitude illnesses.