Dr. Thomas Hochholzer: Acclimatisation Problems - Prophylaxis and Treatment

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Speaker's profile – Dr. Thomas Hochholzer
Dr. Thomas Hochholzer is a specialist in orthopaedics and orthopaedic surgery.His areas of expertise are sports medicine and hand surgery. Being himself a passionate climber, he received his doctor's degree in high altitude physiology and has participated in a number of expeditions in Alaska, India, Tibet and New Guinea. He has made a name for himself as medical attendant of the German national climbing team and expeditions to Shivling, Shisha Pangma, Cho Oyu and Mt. McKinley.

At the IMS:
As an increasing number of mountaineers travel to the planet's highest regions, many climbers are confronted with acclimatisation problems little known in Europe: altitude sickness, high-altitude pulmonary oedemas and even, in some cases, high-altitude cerebral oedemas.

Each year, approximately 300,000 mountaineers visit Nepal, and an estimated 60,000 people attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's two most popular climbing destinations. Research shows that about 60% of hikers and climbers in Nepal suffer from altitude sickness, and only every 20th adventurer reaches the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro out of the same reasons.

Following the basic rules of conduct at high altitudes, climbers could in fact avoid a number of problems caused by exposure to extreme heights. Basic knowledge about physical changes at high altitudes, like lower oxygen partial pressure, and our body's reactions, increased breathing and other adaptation mechanisms: in many situations, recognising the symptoms of altitude sickness together with its fast treatment can not only contribute to the success of the expedition, but also help avoid severe complications.

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