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High-altitude medicine
M D Harris1, J Terrio, W F Miser
1Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington, USA.
American Family Physician
|May 12, 1998
Summary
High-altitude illness, often caused by hypoxia, affects outdoor enthusiasts. Prevention includes gradual acclimatization and medication like acetazolamide, while treatment requires descent.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Medicine
- Altitude Physiology
Background:
- Increasing outdoor recreation leads to a rise in high-altitude illness cases.
- High-altitude illness typically occurs above 1,500 meters and is primarily caused by hypoxia, exacerbated by cold and exposure.
Observation:
- The condition manifests in three main forms: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
- Other potential manifestations exist, with cardinal symptoms including dyspnea, cough, nausea, sleep disturbances, headache, and altered mental status.
Findings:
- Effective prevention strategies involve gradual acclimatization to high altitudes.
- Acetazolamide is a proven preventive measure and can also be used therapeutically in specific situations.
Implications:
- Family physicians must be prepared to diagnose and manage various forms of high-altitude illness.
- Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment protocols is crucial for patient care in mountainous regions.