Abstract: Acute mountain sickness (AMS), a condition characterized primarily by symptoms such as headache and nausea, has a high incidence and seriously affects the life and health of individuals undertaking rapid ascensions to high altitudes. The main pathophysiological manifestations of AMS include cerebral vasodilation and transient increases in intracranial pressure, with severe cases potentially incurring cerebral edema. The occurrence and development of AMS is associated with factors such as the susceptibility, physiological state, and psychological state of an individual. The molecular mechanisms involved include inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, immune regulation, and energy metabolism at the levels of genes, proteins, and metabolism. The management of AMS includes both prevention and treatment strategies. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of AMS from several aspects, including diagnosis, pathophysiological manifestations, susceptibility factors, molecular mechanisms, and prevention and treatment strategies.