Acute mountain sickness: pathophysiology and prevention

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.37.57019

Keywords

mountain sports, acute mountain sickness

Abstract

This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Key mechanisms including changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the role of diuresis in the development of AMS are analysed. The effectiveness of various preventive strategies, such as acclimatisation and pharmacotherapy (acetazolamide, dexamethasone, ibuprofen), as well as alternative approaches, including the use of natural remedies such as Rhodiola roses, coca leaves and Ginkgo biloba, are discussed. The paper emphasises the importance of correct diagnosis and prompt action in the treatment of AMS, which is crucial in preventing complications.

 

Material and methods

Data  bases  such  as  Pubmed  and  GoogleScholar  were  used  for  research  with  the  key  words: acute mountain illness (AMS), acetazolamid, dexametazone, altitude, prevention, acclimatisation.

 

Conclusions

Acute altitude sickness is a challenge in terms of understanding pathophyslogy and effective treatment methods. The primary methods of preventing AMS are properly managed acclimatisation and the use of acetazolamide. Other pharmacological and natural measures require further research.

References

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2025-01-20

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MOCZYDŁOWSKI, Paweł, KUCZAPSKA, Karolina, GLIWA, Anna, RYGLEWICZ, Monika, FABIAN, Dariusz, LESZCZYŃSKA-KNAGA, Elżbieta, JAKUBCZYK, Natalia, RUTKOWSKA-KAWALEC, Weronika, KUROWSKI, Marek and MICHALCZUK, Karolina. Acute mountain sickness: pathophysiology and prevention. Quality in Sport. Online. 20 January 2025. Vol. 37, p. 57019. [Accessed 21 January 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2025.37.57019.

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Vol. 37 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Paweł Moczydłowski, Karolina Kuczapska, Anna Gliwa, Monika Ryglewicz, Dariusz Fabian, Elżbieta Leszczyńska-Knaga, Natalia Jakubczyk, Weronika Rutkowska-Kawalec, Marek Kurowski, Karolina Michalczuk

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