[Prerequisites and guidelines for acclimatization to great and extreme altitude in prevention of altitude sickness].

Acute mountain sickness is a possible danger of life but it appears in fact absolutely not as fateful or unavoidable because it's evidence occurs as the consequence of missed observation of the specific conditions as much as of individual misbehaviour to altitude. Before someone plans to travel or climb at high altitudes by sharing a trekking-tour or an expedition-team medical advices for prevention of severe incidences caused by the reduced oxygen at altitudes are of utmost importance. Thereby it is not the question of the individual suitability to altitude which appears in the foreground but the need to find out typical health restrictions and, first of all, to develop an individual concept of optimal acclimatization to altitude. In this synopsis therefore all relevant aspects of preparation, precautions and detailed methods of acclimatization to altitude are laid down corresponding to the actual knowledge of altitude medicine and will be presented as crucial guiding principles for trekking and climbing to high altitudes.