High altitude syndromes at intermediate altitudes: A pilot study in the Australian Alps

We found that the frequency of flatus production more than doubled following ascent, with a post-ascent frequency of approximately 14 expulsions per person over the 18 h recording period (Rate Ratio 2.31, CI 1.33-3.99, p = 0.003). The frequency and severity of headaches also increased following ascent. These results support the hypothesis that high altitude symptoms can be significant issues even at the relatively lower altitudes encountered in Australian alpine regions. Increased awareness amongst clinicians of this possibility could contribute to a reduction in the disease burden from high altitude syndromes at intermediate altitudes.