Acute Mountain Sickness

Abstract

Observations on acute mountain sickness occurring between 11,000 and 18,000 feet, in 1925 men, 18, to 53 years old, showed no direct relation between altitude and severity of illness; mild, moderate and severe cases occurred at all altitudes. A time lag of six to 96 hours between arrival and onset of symptoms ruled out any direct relation between hypoxia and acute mountain sickness. During this period there was clinical evidence of respiratory dysfunction with slow, irregular or Cheyne—Stokes breathing, pulmonary congestion and antidiuresis. In one biopsy and two autopsy studies there was evidence of cerebral edema. Diuresis induced with furosemide provided effective routine therapy. Morphine and betamethasone were used as additional aids in severe cases. Clinical features of acute mountain sickness were ascribed to hypoxia, pulmonary congestion, increased cerebral blood flow, increased cerebrospinal-fluid pressure and cerebral edema.