This occurs when one ascends to high altitudes especially if the ascent occurs over a short period of time. Commonly affects the younger, male, those with past history of altitude sickness and those who ascend quickly. Symptoms can start within hours to days after exposure to high altitudes. Altitude sickness accompanies mountaineers. If mild symptoms occur, stop ascent and stay at the same altitude for a day or two, then ascend cautiously.
Severe symptoms require immediate descent to a lower altitude and drug treatment.
Consult a doctor in the area. Normally, both descent and drug treatment are required for severe symptoms. Oxygen therapy or use of a hyperbaric bag may be required. In patients with brain swelling or water in the lungs, even if symptoms improve with treatment, they should not be allowed to reascend. Future trips should be in consultation with your doctor to discuss use of drugs in the prevention of symptoms.