For many years, drugs have been used to enhance performance in mountaineering. The UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation – Union International des Associations d’Alpinisme) MedCom developed evidence-based guidelines for drug use and misuse in mountains. They conclude: “If using drugs not regulated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), individuals have to determine their own […]

You do not have to go abroad to encounter wilderness medicine: insect bites, hypothermia, hyperthermia but also mountain biking and diving accidents occur in the Netherlands. Diving is becoming more and more popular. Smithuis et al. have shared their data on diving accidents in the Netherlands in the International Journal of Emergency Medicine. 43 patients […]

UV keratitis is the result of acute high-dose or suprathreshold UV radiation. It can cause severe ocular pain, tearing, conjunctival chemosis, blepharospasm and deterioration of vision. The onset is typically several hours after exposure. UV keratitis can be prevented by minimizing radiation exposure (e.g. wearing a hat, sunglasses, UV-blocking contact lenses). Depending on the degree of UV […]

Altitude, a history of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), rate of ascent and lack of acclimatization are some well established risk factors for developing AMS. Another risk factor is cigarette smoking, which is particularly interesting because it is modifiable. Previous findings in regard to smoking and AMS have been quite variable. A recent study published in […]

Physical exertion in high temperatures forces the body to adapt to the heat stress. The physiological response can reach a limit at which the advantages do not weigh up to the disadvantages of this response. At this point heat-related illnesses like heat cramp, syncope, exhaustion and stroke can develop. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are thirst, […]