Have you climbed or attempted Mount Everest? If so, you could help a team of mountaineering doctors to discover the extent of the use of medications to prevent altitude illness and improve performance.

Exposure to high altitude poses a risk of developing one of three forms of acute altitude illness: acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral edema and high altitude pulmonary edema. Medications are available to prevent these problems and are commonly used by travellers at moderate elevations (e.g. 3000-5000 m) for this purpose.

Recent reports suggest that climbers ascending to extremely high elevations on Mount Everest and other peaks are also using these medications to improve physical performance and/or increase their odds of reaching the summit without developing altitude illness. Despite these reports, little is known about exactly how common these practices are.

A research survey is attempting to estimate the number of climbers on Mount Everest who are using medications in this manner. People who have attempted to climb Mount Everest – whether they were successful in summiting or not – are eligible to participate. The survey takes less than 20 minutes to complete and does not require you to provide any personal information.

It is anticipated that information learned from the survey will help guide medical practice with regard to climbers on Mount Everest and other large Himalayan mountains.

Find out more about the research project and complete the online survey

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CLICK ON "SUBMIT" AT THE END OF THE SURVEY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR ANSWERS ARE SAVED.

Drug Use and Misuse in Mountaineering
The UIAA Medical Commission has developed a new layperson’s advice sheet on drug use in the mountains.
Download Drug Use and Misuse in Mountaineering

Travel at High Altitude
Medex has produced a free booklet which has lots of practical advice for those venturing to altitude.
Download Travel at High Altitude

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