1. a syndrome caused by low inspired oxygen pressure (as at high altitude) and characterized by nausea, headache, dyspnea, malaise, and insomnia; in severe instances, pulmonary edema and adult respiratory distress syndrome can occur; Syn: Acosta’s disease, mountain sickness(1), puna, soroche.
2. a similar disease in cattle, characterized by subcutaneous edema and congestive heart failure. Syn: aerial sickness, altitude disease.