Menawan Gunung Kinabalu: Penyakit Altitud Tinggi dan Langkah-Langkah Pencegahan PengenalanGunung Kinabalu, puncak tertinggi di Malaysia dengan ketinggian 4095 meter, merupakan destinasi popular bagi pendaki tetapi boleh mendatangkan risiko penyakit berkaitan altitud kepada para pendaki. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk membincangkan penyakit altitud tinggi dan langkah-langkah pencegahan yang boleh diambil oleh pendaki sebelum, semasa dan selepas pendakian dari segi perubahan mekanisme fisiologi.MetodologiSatu kajian literatur secara komprehensif telah dijalankan, dengan fokus kepada simptom, gejala, dan pencegahan penyakit altitud dalam kalangan pendaki. Maklumat dikumpulkan dari jurnal yang disemak oleh rakan sejawat, laporan teknikal pendakian, dan kajian lapangan berkaitan dengan Gunung Kinabalu dan pendakian di altitud tinggi.Hasil KajianPenyakit altitud tinggi seperti penyakit ketinggian akut, high-altitude cerebral oedema, high-altitude pulmonary oedema, dan beberapa penyakit lain dikupas dengan lebih mendalam. Selain itu, faktor risiko penyakit altitud tinggi turut dikenal pasti. Strategi pencegahan yang dibahagikan kepada sebelum, semasa, dan selepas pendakian kemudian dibincangkan. Antara langkah pencegahan yang berkesan termasuk persediaan fizikal badan, konsultasi dan penilaian kesihatan komprehensif pra-pendakian, aklimatisasi secara beransur-ansur, mengekalkan hidrasi, dan penggunaan ubat profilaksis seperti acetazolamide dan dexamethasone..KesimpulanSetiap pendaki yang ingin menawan gunung altitud tinggi seperti Gunung Kinabalu perlu fahami risiko penyakit altitud tinggi. Langkah pencegahan yang bersesuaian dan mencukupi bukan sahaja mampu mengurangkan risiko penyakit altitud tinggi, tetapi berjaya menawan puncak Gunung Kinabalu dan pulang dengan selamat.

Physiological Changes and Recovery After Short-Term High-Altitude Hypoxia: A Narrative Review Introduction Exposure to high altitude induces substantial physiological changes across various systems, enabling humans to withstand hypoxic environments. These physiological changes have been frequently explored and described in the existing literature. In contrast, the process of readjusting to lower altitudes, known as high-altitude de-acclimatization, remains understudied, especially for individuals who spend brief periods at high altitudes. This narrative review aims to consolidate existing research on the physiological alterations and recovery patterns experienced by individuals returning from short-term stays at high altitudes, highlighting the acclimatization and de-acclimatization processes. Methods A total of 29 articles were reviewed to extract insights from current evidence. Results The findings reveal that de-acclimatization is a complex process influenced by various factors. Cardiovascular adaptations, such as increased heart rate, cardiac output, and pulmonary artery pressure, begin to reverse upon descent but demonstrate varying recovery timelines. While heart rate typically normalises within days, stroke volume and pulmonary pressures may take weeks to months to recover fully. Similarly, respiratory adaptations, including ventilatory drive and oxygen saturation, show gradual improvement, although symptoms such as nocturnal hypoxemia and periodic breathing may persist for several days’ post-descent. Haematological parameters, such as haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, decline rapidly, yet full recovery of molecular and systemic markers may extend beyond three months. Metabolic and immune system changes, including increased oxidative stress and immune suppression persist, highlighting the long-term impact of high-altitude exposure. Hormonal fluctuations affecting reproductive health in both sexes further underscore the systemic effects of high-altitude environments. This review also highlights the need for comprehensive public health strategies, including medical consultations prior to travel to high altitude, plans for structured acclimatization and de-acclimatization protocols, and extended monitoring for vulnerable populations such as frequent high-altitude workers or hikers with pre-existing medical conditions. Conclusions Although progress has been made in understanding the physiological challenges of de-acclimatization, substantial gaps remain, particularly in the long-term implications and recovery trajectories. Addressing these gaps through targeted research will enhance guidelines for managing high-altitude transitions and safeguarding the health of diverse populations.