Altitude illness. The dangers of the heights and how to avoid them.

Altitude illness, caused by lack of oxygen, manifests itself in several forms, including acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema. The first of these is usually minor, but the second and third can be fatal unless promptly diagnosed and treated (descent being the most effective management). Other, more specific, problems such as high-altitude retinal hemorrhage and thrombophlebitis can also occur in some individuals. Even so, there are only a few medical reasons to deprive an ambulatory, well-compensated patient of a visit to moderate altitude, and the conscientious physician will weigh carefully the risks against the benefits of a vacation in a beautiful and inspiring mountain setting.