ABSTRACT
Background: to determine the incidence and risk factors of acute mountain sickness [AMS] in trekkers in different pathways of Damavand. Although it is well known that Iranian trekkers suffer from acute mountain sickness [AMS] in south pathway of Damavand, not much is documented about the incidence of AMS in the other pathways of Damavand Mountain, trekkers that go to high altitude from different pathways and their related contributing factors
Material and Methods: this study was a descriptive cohort study. During a four weeks [in summer 2006] a population of trekkers was studied. AMS symptoms, were assessed by an extensively used standard questionnaire [Lake Louise], applied at 2900 m above sea level, and during descent from summit Damavand [about 4200m] at south and north east pathways of Damvand in Iran Alborz Mountain
Results: the overall incidence of A.M.S. was 53.5%. The mean age of trekkers was 35.08 [+/-11.88] and 85.8% of the study population was men. Men did not differ significantly higher rate of AMS from women. The incidence being increased in those who begin climbing from south pathway [P=0.001], amateur climbers [P=0.000], a previous AMS experience or high altitude illness [P=0.031], a history of upper respiratory infection during last week [P=0.017], begging hour of ascent [P=0.02] and sleep in high altitude [P=0.01]. There was not any relation between AMS and age and descending rate [P<0.05]
Conclusions: data show a strong relation between experiences mountaineer, history of AMS, pathway of climbing and the incidence of acute mountain sickness at Damavand Mount that didn't report previously