Altitude illness

Description

While traveling to higher altitudes we face with oxygen deficit. Most people do not have any symptoms, except from diminished tolerance for physical activities, Some patients can get sick with symptoms of nausea and headache up to a significant loss of breath and confusion. Although rarely, in the most severe form of this disease liquid can be accumulatingin patients’ lungs (pulmonary edema) and /or in brain (cerebral edema). This condition is not usually occurring below 2500 meters of altitude. Physical activity immediately upon arrival to higher altitudes increase probability for this disorder to occur.

Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of breath, dizziness, bad sleep, confusion.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Laboratory examinations, X-rays and CT scan can be performed if there are neurological symptoms. Additional tests can include measurement of blood oxygen saturation.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), electrocardiogram (EKG), urine analysis and X-rays.

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine, Pulmology

Therapy

Treatment includes: oxygen, moving the patient to lower altitude, acetazolamide (Diamox) and/or dexamethasone (decadron).