High-altitude medical problems.

A spectrum of medical problems, including self-limited acute mountain sickness, high-altitude retinopathy, and the potentially fatal high-altitude pulmonary and cerebral edemas, may afflict residents and sojourners at higher elevations. However, appropriate prevention and prompt recognition will minimize the impact of these disorders. Prevention is predicated upon slow ascent to altitude and minimizing initial exertion at altitude; in selected cases, preventive drug therapy with Diamox (Lederle, Pearl River, New York) is helpful. Early recognition and descent to lower altitude remain the cornerstones of therapy.