[High altitude illness and related diseases - a review]

Upon reaching a height over 2500 m above seal level symptoms of altitude illness can develop over 1 - 5 days. The risk is mainly -determined by the altitude and rate of ascent and the symptoms vary. Most common are symptoms of acute mountain illness (AMS) but more dangerous high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) can also develop. The causes of AMS, HACE and HAPE are lack of oxygen and insufficient acclimatization, but the presenting form is determined by the responses of the body to the lack of oxygen. The most common symptoms of AMS include headache, fatique and nausea, but insomnia and nausea are also common. The most common symptoms of HAPE are breathlessness and lassitude whereas the cardinal sign of HACE is ataxia, but confusion and loss of consciousness can also develop. In this article all three main forms of altitude illness are reviewed. The emphasis is on preventive measures and treatment but new knowledge on pathogenesis is also addressed.