Travelling to altitude

Abstract

The increasing popularity of adventure and activity holidays means that more people are being exposed to the physiological rigors of high altitude. For some, this forms part of the physical challenge, whereas for others, it may pose an unexpected difficulty. Holiday planning, therefore, takes on a new medical dimension. Experience of working in prevention and management of altitude-related illness has illustrated that personal preparation for this testing environment is mixed; many expedition members have a good understanding and recognition through years of experience and personal interest; whereas others arrive armed with prescribed medications at the request of the commercial expedition operator with no guidance as to how to use them, and many are ignorant of the real risks of death that high altitude imposes. GPs should be prepared to help address the medical risk assessment that travel to altitude necessitates.