Pilgrim health: Short sojourns to high altitude with pre-existing medical problems

Mountains have attracted travelers for short sojourns for pilgrimage, recreation or adventure which exposes them to the environmental stressors such as hypoxia, cold, low humidity and increased UV radiation. Such places are also often located in wilderness with poor access to medical aid and other resources. The present article aims to provide an overview for understanding the pathophysiology of common medical conditions in such extreme environments and the principles of their management.