Altitude illness
About Altitude illness
When someone travels to a higher altitude there is less oxygen available to breathe. Most people do not have any symptoms besides decrease exercise tolerance. Some patients can actually become ill with symptoms ranging from nausea and headache to significant shortness of breath and confusion. Although rare, in its most serious form patients can have a fluid build up in their lungs (pulmonary edema) and/or in their brains (cerebral edema). This condition usually does not occur until one travels above 8,000 feet. Exercising immediately after going to altitude increases the likelihood of acquiring this disorder.Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, poor sleeping, confusion.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Labs, X-ray, and a CT scan may be performed if neurologic symptoms are present. Additional tests may include oxygen saturation measurement.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment includes: oxygen, taking the patient down to a lower elevation, acetazolamide (Diamox), and/or dexamethasone (Decadron).Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Pulmonology · Family Practice · Pediatric Pulmonology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Altitude illness.