Decreased Work Capability Related to High-Altitude Exposure.

Background: The unique environment of high altitude can affect the work capacity of those not accustomed to it, and in some cases, it can even endanger their lives. Studying the effect of high-altitude exposure on work capacity is important. Still, there are few reviews on this topic.

Validation of the Athens Insomnia Scale Among Young Chinese Male Population in a High-Altitude Situation.

Purpose: The Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) is a widely used and authorized questionnaire for evaluating insomnia symptoms. However, its reliability and validity at high altitudes are uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to confirm the validity and reliability of AIS during a 3658 m altitude exposure.

Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Acute Mountain Sickness Among Young Chinese Men After Exposure at 3800 M: A cross‒sectional Study.

Purpose: We aimed to explore whether anxiety is a risk factor for acute mountain sickness [AMS] in a young Chinese male population.

Patients And Methods: A total of 143 young Chinese men with a median age of 23 years (IQR, 21-25) were employed in the present study, and they were divided into the AMS+ and AMS- groups according to the Lake Louise AMS score [AMS-S] after exposure at 3800 m for two days. Participants' pulse oximeter saturation [SpO] and heart rate [HR] were measured.

Association between decreased osteopontin and acute mountain sickness upon rapid ascent to 3500 m among young Chinese men.

Background: Hypoxia causes oxidative stress and a decrease in osteopontin (OPN) in rats; however, little is known about the change in OPN in lowlander humans during hypobaric hypoxia. We explore the role of the predicted decrease in plasma OPN levels in humans upon high-altitude exposure and its relationship with acute mountain sickness (AMS), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

Methods: Before and during acute altitude exposure, 261 men's plasma OPN, SOD, MDA, heart rate and pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2) were measured.

Smoking is associated with the incidence of AMS: a large-sample cohort study.

Background: In recent years, the number of people visiting high altitudes has increased. After rapidly ascending to a high altitude, some of these individuals, who reside on plains or other areas of low altitude, have suffered from acute mountain sickness (AMS). Smoking interferes with the body's oxygen metabolism, but research about the relationship between smoking and AMS has yielded controversial results.

Age as a risk factor for acute mountain sickness upon rapid ascent to 3,700 m among young adult Chinese men.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between age and acute mountain sickness (AMS) when subjects are exposed suddenly to high altitude.

Methods: A total of 856 young adult men were recruited. Before and after acute altitude exposure, the Athens Insomnia Scale score (AISS) was used to evaluate the subjective sleep quality of subjects.

Sleep quality changes in insomniacs and non-insomniacs after acute altitude exposure and its relationship with acute mountain sickness.

Objective: We aimed to observe the changes in subjective sleep quality among insomniacs and non-insomniacs after acute ascending to 3,700 m and its possible relationship with acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Methods: A total of 600 adult men were recruited. Subjects' subjective sleep quality was evaluated by the Athens Insomnia Scale.

Inhaled budesonide and oral dexamethasone prevent acute mountain sickness.

Background: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate inhaled budesonide and oral dexamethasone compared with placebo for their prophylactic efficacy against acute mountain sickness after acute high-altitude exposure.

Methods: There were 138 healthy young male lowland residents recruited and randomly assigned to receive inhaled budesonide (200 μg, twice a day [bid]), oral dexamethasone (4 mg, bid), or placebo (46 in each group). They traveled to 3900 m altitude from 400 m by car.

Anxiety correlates with somatic symptoms and sleep status at high altitudes.

High altitude exposure results in many physical and psychological discomforts, with anxiety and sleep disturbances being the most common ones. This cross-sectional study was performed to explore the relationship between anxiety, somatic symptoms, and sleep status at high altitude. A sample of 426 young males between 18 and 24 years old ascended from low-level land to 3600 m, where they acclimated for 40 days, before ascending to 4400 m.