[Acute high altitude sickness--medical experiences from Mount Everest during the spring season 1996]

In April-May 1996 a Norwegian expedition climbed Mount Everest from the Tibetan side, Eight out of the ten members reached the summit. The expedition did not experience any serious incidents but took part in the rescue and treatment of climbers from other expeditions. Eleven cases are reported. Four of these were fatal. Cerebral oedema and frostbite were the most common problems in addition to hypothermia and exhaustion. The author also discusses acute mountain sickness, including clinical features, treatment and prophylaxis.