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

by Stephen, M.D. Bezruchka (Author) "As you gain altitude, the air gets thinner, the pressure is lower, and less oxygen is available in the atmosphere..." (more)
Key Phrases: tandem walking test, preventing altitude illness, hyperbaric bag, Effects of Altitude Illness, Everest Base Camp (more...)

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 the Paperback edition.

Product Description
Stay healthy at high heights with this pocket guide—now updated with the most current information on preparing for and adapting to altitude.

·Updated guidelines for people going to altitude (heights above 7,000 feet) with pre-existing health conditions such as heart conditions, diabetes, and cancer
·A handy glossary and easy-to-read tables covering symptoms and signs, altitude illness, and high altitude drugs
·Case studies of real situations and a question-and-answer section help readers better understand general issues about altitude and its effects, and more

This new edition provides the latest information on prevention and treatment of altitude illness—from preparing for altitude to recognizing and treating the symptoms of acute mountain sickness, including high altitude pulmonary and cerebral edemas. Suited for both novice and seasoned hikers, climbers, trekkers, and skiers, Altitude Illness, 2nd Edition, also includes an updated examination of how altitude interacts with certain drugs, a new section on using the web to find more information about altitude illness, and much more. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 93 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089886402X
• ISBN-13: 978-0898864021
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,166,685 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

7 of 7 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 (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

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!

7 of 8 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

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...