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Acute mountain sickness — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateEnvironmental MedicineAcute mountain sicknessDipIMC

A 22-year-old hiker with mild altitude headache and nausea is at 2,800 metres. He is alert, walking normally and has no breathlessness at rest or ataxia. What is the most appropriate drug/dose?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Simple analgesia, rest from ascent and monitoring for deterioration

Mild acute mountain sickness can be managed with rest from ascent, simple analgesia, hydration and monitoring, with descent if worsening. Ataxia, confusion or breathlessness at rest would suggest severe altitude illness requiring urgent descent. Morphine may worsen ventilation and assessment. The pearl is that the key decision is not just treatment, but stopping further ascent.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; UIAA/UK altitude illness guidance