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Introduction and purpose: Acute mountain sickness is caused by hypoxia, of which the brain is the most sensitive. The frequency of occurrence at altitudes above 2500 m above sea level may reach up to 75% of travelers. Prevention of altitude sickness mainly concerns the travel plan and pharmacology. Our study aimed to assess the current literature on altitude sickness, and discuss the possible pathophysiology, epidemiology, and symptoms. Moreover, we underline new guidelines for the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of altitude sickness in the context of the last guidelines and research. We conducted a PubMed literature review using keywords like "mountaineering sickness" and "altitude sickness". All article types were taken into account: clinical trial, meta-analysis, case report, case series, systematic review, randomized controlled trial, observational study, clinical study, books, and documents in the last 5 years.A brief description of the state of knowledge: In recent years, there has been a surge in the accessibility and popularity of high-altitude tourism, emphasizing the need to disseminate information about altitude sickness among travelers. This heightened accessibility has sparked a push for comprehensive research and viable solutions, aiming to address the ramifications of the increased risk associated with such endeavors. Furthermore, there's a growing call for additional research focusing on the unique medical demands posed by tourist excursions and extreme expeditions. Conclusions:It underscores the necessity for healthcare professionals equipped with specialized knowledge and expertise in both preventing and treating medical conditions arising in exceptional circumstances.

The hypoxia is the main cause of altitude sickness, that usually starts from the benign form - acute mountain sickness (AMS), that being untreated can progress to the life-threatening states, like high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of monitoring oxygen saturation in prediction of the of the development and susceptibility to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Our study material consisted of publications, which were found in PubMed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar databases. The first step was to find proper publications from the last 25 years .The second step was to carry out an overview of the found publications. Based on this criteria, six publications have been qualifed for the study.There is strong relationship between development and susceptibility to acute mountain sickness (AMS) and hypoxia. But this topic is not fully understood and needs to be better researched. Monitoring oxygen saturation could prevent from the development and predcit the susceptibility to AMS. Pulse oxymetry could be also the indicator of adequate or inadequate acclimatization and high altitude performance.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is an ilness, that occurs in non-acclimatized individuals after rapid ascent to high altitude, typically above 2,500 metres (8,000 ft). The main causes of the AMS are: reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The early symptoms of AMS are non-specific such as: headache, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and sleep disturbance, but not all need to be present at one time. It is very important to recognise the early symptoms of AMS and to start the treatment, because untreated AMS can progress to the life‐threatening: high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Treatment of AMS consists of stabilization of the patient conditon, descent to lower altitude, oxygen therapy and administering acetazolamide and dexamethasone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of the proper acclimatization, use of the acetazolamide and dexamethasone in prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS).Proper acclimatization, use of the acetazolamide and dexamethasone are highly effective in prevention of occurrence and reducing the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Pharmacological prophylaxis is not necessary in low-risk situations but should be considered in addition to gradual ascent for use in moderate- to high-risk situations Acetazolamide should be strongly considered in climbers and travelers at moderate or high risk of AMS with ascent to high altitude. Dexamethasone can be used as an alternative in individuals with a history of intolerance of or allergic reaction to acetazolamide. In rare circumstances (eg, military or rescue teams that must ascend rapidly to and perform physical work at >3500 m), consideration can be given to concurrent use of acetazolamide and dexamethasone.

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Human body is evolutionarily adapted to life in a fairly narrow range of physicochemical parameters of the environment. Any substantial change in ambient pressure, as well as partial pressure of air components has an impact on of physiological or pathophysiological processes. The aim of the article is to present selected health-threatening and life-threatening conditions related to high altitude exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]