Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
  • Register
  • Login
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Current
  • Archives
  • Announcements
  • About
    • About the Journal
    • Submissions
    • Editorial Team
    • Privacy Statement
    • Contact
  • Register
  • Login

Quality in Sport

Acute Mountain Sickness: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment
  • Home
  • /
  • Acute Mountain Sickness: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment
  1. Home /
  2. Archives /
  3. Vol. 35 (2024) /
  4. Medical Sciences

Acute Mountain Sickness: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment

Authors

  • Alicja Śniatała Regional Hospital in Poznań, Juraszów 7-19, 60-479 Poznań https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8488-3268
  • Agnieszka Adamowska Józef Struś Multispecialist Muncipal Hospital Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1977-2522
  • Damian Grubski Józef Struś Multispecialist Municipal Hospital Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9501-9950
  • Filip Nadolny University Hospital in Poznań Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6433-5975
  • Hanna Bartkowiak Józef Struś Multispecialist Muncipal Hospital Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6914-4908
  • Jędrzej Jabłoński Regional Hospital in Poznań, Juraszów 7-19, 60-479 Poznań https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6204-407X
  • Kacper Ziarnik Regional Hospital in Poznan Juraszow 7/19, 60-479 Poznan https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4676-3232
  • Martyna Kania University Hospital in Poznań Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4400-0258

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2024.35.56302

Keywords

acute mountain sickness, climbing, mountain sports

Abstract

Introduction

High mountain climbing has surged in popularity over the past few decades, attracting a diverse range of participants from professional athletes to even recreational enthusiasts, given that this sport has become commercial and more accessible. While high mountain climbing offers numerous mental and physical benefits, it also presents significant risks, among them one of the most dangerous is acute mountain sickness (AMS). Correct techniques of prevention are absolutely vital for the success of the expedition. To be able to read correctly the symptoms is essential for making the right decision during hike and knowing how to act once AMS occurs is necessary to ensure safety for all climbers.

Aim of the study

The purpose of this narrative is to comprehensively describe information about the prevention, symptoms and instructions concerning further procedure while dealing with acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Materials and methods

The methodology of the literature search involved using the keywords “acute mountain sickness” and adding terms such as “prevention”, “symptoms”, “diagnosis”, “risk factors” and “treatment”. The search terms were entered into the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The review works and clinical trials were taken into account.

Conclusion

Acute mountain climbing occurs above 2500 m. The most important aspects of prevention and treatment is controlled ascent, rapid diagnosis and instant initiation of treatment, meaning descent. The pharmacologic prophylaxis and therapy is not recommended in every case, all of the decisions must be taken individually according to severity of symptoms and general situation in the mountains.

 

References

Buhay, Corey. Want to Get into Alpine Climbing? Here's How to Get Started. Climbing, 23 November 2022.

British Mountaineering Council, Alpine skills, 28 March 2004.

Schussman L.C., Lutz L.J., Shaw R.R., Bohnn C.R. The epidemiology of mountaineering and rock climbing accidents. J. Wilderness Med. 1990;1:235–248.

Soulé B., Lefèvre B., Boutroy E. The dangerousness of mountain recreation: A quantitative overview of fatal and non-fatal accidents in France. Eur. J. Sport Sci. 2017;17:931–939.

Netzer N., Strohl K., Faulhaber M., Gatterer H., Burtscher M. Hypoxia-related altitude illnesses. J. Trav. Med. 2013;20(4):247–255.

Burtscher M., Hefti U., Pichler Hefti J. High-altitude illnesses: Old stories and new insights into the pathophysiology, treatment and prevention, Sports Med Health Sci. 2021 Jun; 3(2): 59–69.

Macinnis MJ, Lanting SC, Rupert JL, and Koehle MS. (2013). Is poor sleep quality at high altitude separate from acute mountain sickness? Factor structure and internal consistency of the Lake Louise Score Questionnaire. High Alt Med Biol 14:334–337.

Hackett PH, and Oelz O. (1992). The Lake Louise Consensus on the definition and quantification of altitude illness. In: Hypoxia and Mountain Medicine. JR Sutton, CS Houston and G Coates, eds. Pergamon Press Inc. Pergamon Press Inc., Elmsford, New York, pp. 327–330.

Hackett PH, and Oelz O. (1992). The Lake Louise Consensus on the definition and quantification of altitude illness. In: Hypoxia and Mountain Medicine. Sutton JR, Houston CS, Coates G, eds. Queen City Press, Burlington, VT: pp 327–330.

Roach RC, Bärtsch P, Hackett PH, and Oelz O. (1993). The Lake Louise Acute Mountain Sickness Scoring System. In: Hypoxia and Molecular Medicine. Sutton JR, Houston CS, Coates G, eds. Queen City Press, Burlington, VT: pp 272–274.

Turner REF, Gatterer H, Falla M, Lawley JS. High-altitude cerebral edema: its own entity or end-stage acute mountain sickness? J Appl Physiol (1985). 2021 Jul 1;131(1):313-325

Sophocles A Jr High-altitude pulmonary edema in Vail, Colorado, 1975–1982. West J Med 1986; 144, 569–573.

Schoene RB. Illnesses at high altitude. Chest. 2008; 134: 402–16.

Luks AM, McIntosh SE, Grissom CK, et al.. Wilderness Medical Society consensus guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute altitude illness. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2010; 21: 146–55.

Hultgren HN, Honigman B, Theis K, Nicholas D High-altitude pulmonary edema at a ski resort. West J Med 1996; 164, 222–227.

Durmowicz AG, Noordeweir E, Nicholas R, Reeves JT Inflammatory processes may predispose children to high-altitude pulmonary edema. J Pediatr 1997; 130, 838–840.

Bärtsch P, Maggiorini M, Ritter M, Noti C, Vock P, Oelz O Prevention of high-altitude pulmonary edema by nifedipine. N Engl J Med 1991; 325, 1284–1289.

Chen Xu, Hong-Xiang Lu, Yu-Xiao Wang, Yu Chen, Sheng-hong Yang, Yong-Jun Luo, Association between smoking and the risk of acute mountain sickness: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Mil Med Res. 2016; 3: 37.

Luks AM, McIntosh SE, Grissom CK, et al.. Wilderness Medical Society consensus guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute altitude illness. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2010; 21: 146–55.

Rexhaj E, Garcin S, Rimoldi SF, et al.. Reproducibility of acute mountain sickness in children and adults: a prospective study. Pediatrics. 2011; 127: e1445–8.

Webb JD, Coleman ML, Pugh CW. Hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), HIF hydroxylases and oxygen sensing. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 2009; 66: 3539–54.

Bärtsch P High altitude pulmonary edema. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999; 31(suppl 1), S23–S27.

Bärtsch P High altitude pulmonary edema. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999; 31(suppl 1), S23–S27.

Sutton JR, Coates G, Houston CS. Hypoxia and Mountain Medicine. 1st ed. Burlington (VT): Queen City Press, 1992.

Basnyat B, Gertsch JH, Johnson EW, et al.. Efficacy of low-dose acetazolamide (125 mg BID) for the prophylaxis of acute mountain sickness: a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. High Alt. Med. Biol. 2003; 4: 45–52.

van Patot MC, Leadbetter G, Keyes LE, et al.. Prophylactic low-dose acetazolamide reduces the incidence and severity of acute mountain sickness. High Alt. Med. Biol. 2008; 9: 289–93.

Subedi BH, Pokharel J, Goodman TL, et al.. Complications of steroid use on Mt. Everest. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2010; 21: 345–8.

Wright AD, Beazley MF, Bradwell AR, et al.. Medroxyprogesterone at high altitude. The effects on blood gases, cerebral regional oxygenation, and acute mountain sickness. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2004; 15: 25–31.

Ghofrani HA, Reichenberger F, Kohstall MG, et al.. Sildenafil increased exercise capacity during hypoxia at low altitudes and at Mount Everest base camp: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Ann. Intern. Med. 2004; 141: 169–77.

Bates MG, Thompson AA, Baillie JK, et al.. Sildenafil citrate for the prevention of high altitude hypoxic pulmonary hypertension: double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. High Alt. Med. Biol. 2011; 12: 207–14.

Maggiorini M, Brunner-La Rocca HP, Peth S, et al.. Both tadalafil and dexamethasone may reduce the incidence of high-altitude pulmonary edema: a randomized trial. Ann. Intern. Med. 2006; 145: 497–506.

Jafarian S, Gorouhi F, Salimi S, Lotfi J. Sumatriptan for prevention of acute mountain sickness: randomized clinical trial. Ann. Neurol. 2007; 62: 273–7.

Smith TG, Talbot NP, Privat C, et al.. Effects of iron supplementation and depletion on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension: two randomized controlled trials. JAMA. 2009; 302; 1444–50.

Talbot NP, Smith TG, Privat C, et al.. Intravenous iron supplementation may protect against acute mountain sickness: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. High Alt. Med. Biol. 2011; 12: 265–9.

Chow T, Browne V, Heileson HL, et al.. Ginkgo biloba and acetazolamide prophylaxis for acute mountain sickness: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arch. Intern. Med. 2005; 165: 296–301.

Gertsch JH, Basnyat B, Johnson EW, et al.. Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled comparison of ginkgo biloba and acetazolamide for prevention of acute mountain sickness among Himalayan trekkers: the Prevention of High Altitude Illness Trial (PHAIT). BMJ. 2004; 328: 797.

Leadbetter G, Keyes LE, Maakestad KM, et al.. Ginkgo biloba does — and does not — prevent acute mountain sickness. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2009; 20: 66–71.

Baillie JK, Thompson AA, Irving JB, et al.. Oral antioxidant supplementation does not prevent acute mountain sickness: double blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. QJM. 2009; 102: 341–8.

Dumont L, Mardirosoff C, Soto-Debeuf G, Tassonyi E. Magnesium and acute mountain sickness. Aviat. Space Environ. Med. 1999; 70: 625.

Fischer R, Lang SM, Leitl M, et al.. Theophylline and acetazolamide reduce sleep-disordered breathing at high altitude. Eur. Respir. J. 2004; 23: 47–52.

Küpper TE, Strohl KP, Hoefer M, et al.. Low-dose theophylline reduces symptoms of acute mountain sickness. J. Travel. Med. 2008; 15: 307–14.

Singh I, Khanna PK, Srivastava MC, et al.. Acute mountain sickness. N. Engl. J. Med. 1969; 280: 175–84.

Basnyat B, Holck PS, Pun M, et al.. Spironolactone does not prevent acute mountain sickness: a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial by SPACE Trial Group (spironolactone and acetazolamide trial in the prevention of acute mountain sickness group). Wilderness Environ. Med. 2011; 22: 15–22.

Imray C, Wright A., Subudhi A., Roach R. Acute mountain sickness: pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment. 2010 May-Jun;52(6):467-84

Imray C, Wright A, Subudhi A, Roach R. Acute mountain sickness: pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment. Prog. Cardiovasc. Dis. 2010; 52: 467–84.

Maggiorini M. Prevention and treatment of high-altitude pulmonary edema. Prog. Cardiovasc. Dis. 2010; 52: 500–6.

Luks AM, Swenson ER. Medication and dosage considerations in the prophylaxis and treatment of high-altitude illness. Chest. 2008; 133: 744–55.

Bartsch P, Merki B, Hofstetter D, et al.. Treatment of acute mountain sickness by simulated descent: a randomized controlled trial. BMJ. 1993; 306: 1098–101.

Luks AM, McIntosh SE, Grissom CK, et al.. Wilderness Medical Society consensus guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute altitude illness. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2010; 21: 146–55.

Grissom CK. High altitude illness prevention and treatment. In: Braunwald E, ed. Harrison's Internal Medicine Online. Update 12/8/2006. The McGraw-Hill Companies, AccessMedicine. Accessed June 22, 2007.

Downloads

  • PDF

Published

2024-12-18

How to Cite

1.
ŚNIATAŁA, Alicja, ADAMOWSKA, Agnieszka, GRUBSKI, Damian, NADOLNY, Filip, BARTKOWIAK, Hanna, JABŁOŃSKI, Jędrzej, ZIARNIK, Kacper and KANIA, Martyna. Acute Mountain Sickness: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment. Quality in Sport. Online. 18 December 2024. Vol. 35, p. 56302. [Accessed 13 June 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2024.35.56302.
  • ISO 690
  • ACM
  • ACS
  • APA
  • ABNT
  • Chicago
  • Harvard
  • IEEE
  • MLA
  • Turabian
  • Vancouver
Download Citation
  • Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
  • BibTeX

Issue

Vol. 35 (2024)

Section

Medical Sciences

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Alicja Śniatała, Agnieszka Adamowska, Damian Grubski, Filip Nadolny, Hanna Bartkowiak, Jędrzej Jabłoński, Kacper Ziarnik, Martyna Kania

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Stats

Number of views and downloads: 127
Number of citations: 0

Search

Search

Browse

  • Browse Author Index
  • Issue archive

User

User

Current Issue

  • Atom logo
  • RSS2 logo
  • RSS1 logo

Information

  • For Readers
  • For Authors
  • For Librarians

Newsletter

Subscribe Unsubscribe

Tags

Search using one of provided tags:

acute mountain sickness, climbing, mountain sports
Up

Akademicka Platforma Czasopism

Najlepsze czasopisma naukowe i akademickie w jednym miejscu

apcz.umk.pl

Partners

  • Akademia Ignatianum w Krakowie
  • Akademickie Towarzystwo Andragogiczne
  • Fundacja Copernicus na rzecz Rozwoju Badań Naukowych
  • Instytut Historii im. Tadeusza Manteuffla Polskiej Akademii Nauk
  • Instytut Kultur Śródziemnomorskich i Orientalnych PAN
  • Instytut Tomistyczny
  • Karmelitański Instytut Duchowości w Krakowie
  • Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego
  • Państwowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Krośnie
  • Państwowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych we Włocławku
  • Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa im. Stanisława Pigonia w Krośnie
  • Polska Fundacja Przemysłu Kosmicznego
  • Polskie Towarzystwo Ekonomiczne
  • Polskie Towarzystwo Ludoznawcze
  • Towarzystwo Miłośników Torunia
  • Towarzystwo Naukowe w Toruniu
  • Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
  • Uniwersytet Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie
  • Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika
  • Uniwersytet w Białymstoku
  • Uniwersytet Warszawski
  • Wojewódzka Biblioteka Publiczna - Książnica Kopernikańska
  • Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Pelplinie / Wydawnictwo Diecezjalne „Bernardinum" w Pelplinie

© 2021- Nicolaus Copernicus University Accessibility statement Shop