Mountain Sickness

Mountain sickness is a pathological condition of the body caused by exposure to the rarefied air of high mountain areas. It is a type of altitude sickness that occurs due to oxygen deprivation when ascending to high altitudes.

The main symptoms of mountain sickness are shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, rapid pulse, sometimes cardiac dysfunction, muscle weakness, nosebleeds, nausea, etc.

The development of oxygen starvation is facilitated by physical fatigue, cooling, ionized air, and ultraviolet radiation. Mountain sickness can occur when climbing a mountain on foot without rest, by car, cable car, etc. With a gradual rise, symptoms subside on days 3-5 due to acclimatization.

Mountain sickness usually occurs at altitudes above 4000 m, although in older people its symptoms may appear as early as 1000 m. At 2000 m, an agitated state is often observed. During physical activity, oxygen starvation appears already at an altitude of 3000 m. At around 4000-5000 m, speech and coordination may be impaired.

Treatment consists of eliminating oxygen deficiency by descending from a height, inhaling oxygen or carbogen. Painkillers and breathing stimulants are also prescribed. For prevention, they conduct training in a pressure chamber and take vitamins.