Related Terms

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Background

• Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is an illness that occurs when the body is unable to adjust to high elevations. Symptoms of mountain sickness range from a mild headache and fatigue to a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the lungs or brain.
• People may be exposed to high altitudes when they go rock climbing, mountain climbing, or skiing. At higher altitudes, there is less oxygen in the air. If a patient does not allow the body sufficient time to adjust to changes in altitude, the body does not receive enough oxygen, and symptoms of mountain sickness develop. Individuals who live at high elevations generally do not experience mountain sickness because their bodies are adjusted to the altitude.
• Most patients will experience a full recovery if they start to descend to lower elevations shortly after symptoms of mountain sickness develop.
• There are four forms of mountain sickness: acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema, high altitude cerebral edema, and high altitude retinal hemorrhage.
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Causes

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Signs and Symptoms

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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