Acute Mountain Sickness Learning Center

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Welcome

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, or travelers who climb too fast. It usually occurs when people rapidly reach a high altitude (typically above 8,000 feet or 2,400 ...

Basic Info

Symptoms
Symptoms generally associated with mild to moderate altitude illness include: Difficulty sleeping; Dizziness or light...
Causes
Acute mountain sickness occurs from the combination of reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen at hi...
Tests
Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) reveals sounds called crackles in the lung, which can mean p...
Treatments
The main form of treatment for all forms of mountain sickness is to climb down (descend) to a lower altitude as rapid...
Risk Factors
  • High altitude residence
  • Mountain Climber
  • Skier
Complications
Coma; High altitude cerebral edema (brain swelling; Pulmonary edema.
Prevention
Education of mountain travelers before ascent is the key to prevention. Basic principles include: gradual ascent, sto...
Doctor Specialties
Call your health care provider if symptoms of acute mountain sickness develop, even if symptoms resolved when returni...

Basic Info

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