Diagnosis and Management of Mountain Sickness - A Review

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the most common form of illness at high altitude; however, it is still unclear whether age is a protective factor or a risk factor for the development of AMS in travellers. The condition generally occurs at altitudes higher than 8,000 feet (ft), or 2,500 meters (m), and is usually due to a lack of oxygen. A person who is not used to high altitudes is most at risk of developing altitude sickness. Mountain sickness is also called high altitude sickness, referring to the impact of environment on the body health at high elevation. Altitude illness is divided into 3 syndromes: acute mountain sickness, high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Mountain climbers are at risk of developing altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is caused by ascending too rapidly, which doesn't allow the body enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, insomnia and reduced performance and coordination. Generally, it is classified into three categories based on the onset condition, namely acute mountain sickness, high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Hypoxic sleep disruption contributes to the symptoms of acute mountain sickness. Hypoxemia at high altitude is most severe during sleep. The sickness signifies that the human body has yet to adapt to the environment at 2500 meters or above in elevation, where low air pressure and oxygen will impair body functions. Mild cases can be treated according to symptoms (such as with painkillers for a headache), which usually go away on their own within a few days. Medicines specific for altitude sickness are also available. Acetazolamide is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes.