Acute mountain sickness: pulmonary and cerebral oedema of high altitude.

Acute mountain sickness is a condition affecting otherwise healthy individuals on going rapidly to altitude. It is caused by sub-acute hypoxia in susceptible subjects. Its study may provide lessons for the more complicated situation of hypoxia in patients undergoing intensive care. This paper reviews the incidence and aetiology of acute mountain sickness, pulmonary and cerebral oedema of high altitude and possible mechanisms are discussed. Prophylaxis depends on an awareness of the condition in all those venturing to high altitude and guidelines are suggested. The treatment of the established condition is reviewed.