Altitude Illness: Prevention & Treatment : How to Stay Healthy at Altitude : From Resort Skiing to Himalayan Climbing [Paperback]

Stephen, M.D. Bezruchka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1994

Most people wouldn't think twice about occasional headaches, loss of appetite, or drowsiness. But at high altitudes they are not to be ignored. They are early symptoms of altitude sickness, a potentially deadly imbalance that can affect hikers, skiers, mountain climbers, and anyone traveling above 7,000 feet (2,000 meters). This book helps you to recognize and respond to altitude illness. In an easy-to-use format, it describes the acclimatization process and what can go wrong, and then presents simple methods of diagnosis and treatment. It also addresses those with pre-existing health conditions, and provides practical information on preparing for and adapting to altitude. With case studies and useful tables, Altitude Illness is required packing for anyone heading to high country.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A handy guide to [altitude illness],..anyone who visits or lives at altitude would be well advised to read." -- —Active Cities USA --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

A board certified emergency physician, Stephen Bezruchka, M.D., has worked in the fields of travel medicine and international health. He is the author of The Pocket Doctor, 3rd Edition, Trekking in Nepal: A Traveler's guide, 7th Edition, and Nepali for Trekkers. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089886402X
• ISBN-13: 978-0898864021
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,318,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Personal Health > Stress > Spas & Resorts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Have the victim transported if possible by Yak, May 29, 2000

By 

Paul Moskowitz (Yorktown, NY) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Altitude Illness: Prevention & Treatment : How to Stay Healthy at Altitude : From Resort Skiing to Himalayan Climbing (Paperback)

This is a concise little book on high-altitude illness. Though aimed at the Himilayan traveler, it is useful for more local mountains. I found my copy in Alamosa, Colorado. The best line in the book concerns measures to be taken in the case of HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), "Have the victim transported if possible, by Yak or on someone's back if no other vehicles are available". I never leave home now without my Yak. I also recommend "Going Higher" by Houston for a more in-depth study of the subject.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT..., February 23, 2001

By 

Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Altitude Illness: Prevention & Treatment : How to Stay Healthy at Altitude : From Resort Skiing to Himalayan Climbing (Paperback)

This is a wonderful, well written and well organized little book, sized to travel with its owner. It fits easily into one's pocket for easy access. It provides valuable information at one's fingertips. One should read this book before climbing or trekking above 7,000 feet (2,000 meters). It could save one's life.

The book is chock full of valuable information, and everything is explained in laymen's language. It explains what altitude sickness is, so that one may recognize its presence, and advises the reader on how to prevent it. It also provides treatment information for the various types of altitude illnesses to which one may fall prey.

This is a must have book for anyone who wants to stay healthy while scaling new heights. If one should think that this book is unnecessary, one need only pause to reflect upon the dedication found on the flyleaf of the book, "To those who died of altitude sickness". Enough said!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book to bring to altitude, September 4, 2000

By 

Robert Kuller - See all my reviews

This review is from: Altitude Illness: Prevention & Treatment : How to Stay Healthy at Altitude : From Resort Skiing to Himalayan Climbing (Paperback)

I just returned from a 6 000 meter climb (OK, 5 890...) and found this little book very helpful. Dr. Bezruchka gives us exactly the information needed, in clear concise form. There are flow-charts that help you assess the condition of your companions, or yourself. For a little fun around the camp pass the book around and try to pick out the authors little tiny gems of very dry wit -- not as easy as it sounds, but they are there...