Acute mountain sickness
Alternative names:
altitude anoxia; altitude sickness; high altitude cerebral
edema; high altitude pulmonary edema; mountain sickness
Treatment:
The objective of treatment is to descend to lower altitude
as rapidly and safely as possible and to begin oxygen therapy
as soon as possible--in the field if available.
Hospitalization may be required for severe illness.
Supportive measures include oxygen by mask or by mechanical
ventilation if respiratory
distress or pulmonary edema
is present, and rest. The affected person will breathe easier
in a sitting position.
Diuretics are prescribed for pulmonary edema (see furosemide
- oral).
Expectations (prognosis):
Most cases are mild and symptoms improve with a return to
lower altitude. Severe cases may result in death due to respiratory
distress or coma.
In remote locations emergency evacuation may not be possible
or treatment may be delayed. These conditions could affect
the outcome.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of acute mountain
sickness develop, even if symptoms resolved when returning
to a lower altitude.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number
(such as 911) if severe difficulty
breathing develops, if consciousness is decreased, if
coughing up blood, or
if other severe symptoms are present.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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