Acute mountain sickness is an acute pathological reaction that occurs at high altitude due to reduced air pressure and reduced oxygen concentration. The severity of symptoms depends mainly on the speed of arrival at high altitude and the degree of your effort, and the symptoms can be mild or severe, or life-threatening, and can involve the nervous system, respiratory system, muscles and cardiovascular system. In mild cases, symptoms include: difficulty sleeping; dizziness; fatigue; headache; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; rapid heartbeat; and difficulty breathing. Symptoms in severe patients include: cyanosis; chest urgency; confusion; coughing and hemoptysis; decreased level of consciousness or social functioning; pallor; inability to walk in a straight line or even unable to walk; and difficulty breathing at rest. People most prone to altitude sickness People who usually live at very low altitude; people who change altitude too quickly in a short period of time; people with chronic cardiopulmonary disease; people who climb, hike, ski and travel at high altitude (usually 2400 meters or higher). What are the ancillary tests? The presence of pulmonary edema is indicated by the presence of wet rales on lung auscultation. The following tests should be done as soon as possible to determine the condition: blood work, CT of the lungs and CT or MRI of the brain, electrocardiogram. Treatment Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important. The main treatment is safe and rapid transfer to a lower altitude and, if conditions permit, oxygen administration. Acetazolamide can reduce symptoms in mild cases. The drug increases urine output, so it is important to drink enough water and avoid alcohol intake when taking the drug. This drug is more effective in reducing the symptoms of altitude sickness when taken before reaching high altitude. Treatment measures for acute pulmonary edema: oxygen absorption; oral antihypertensive drug nifedipine; application of beta agonists to expand the airway; application of ventilator-assisted breathing in severe patients; application of phosphodiesterase inhibitors to increase pulmonary blood flow, such as sildenafil; in addition, the application of dexamethasone can reduce cerebral edema. What is the prognosis of the altitude reaction Most patients have mild symptoms and they can be relieved rapidly after lowering the altitude they are at. A few severe patients will die due to pulmonary edema and cerebral edema. The most common complications are: coma, pulmonary edema, mental and psychological changes, and even permanent neurological damage. How to prevent 1.Get to the high altitude area gradually; 2.Rest 1-2 days for every 600m increase in altitude above 2400m; 3.Sleep in the low altitude area as much as possible; 4.Identify the symptoms of plateau reaction as early as possible; 5.Take iron supplements for anemic patients; 6.Drink more water, avoid alcohol intake and eat high carbohydrate diet during the climbing process; 7.Patients with heart disease and lung disease should avoid There is no conclusive evidence of using Rhodiola Rosea, Ginseng, Cordyceps, etc. to prevent plateau reaction. Warm tip: Please combine the specific medication with the clinical, by the doctor’s face-to-face guidance shall prevail.