Altitude sickness physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Farima Kahe M.D. [2]

Overview

During physical examination, a clinician may find that a patient presenting with altitude sickness experiences temporary signs that usually abate with time as altitude acclimatization occurs. High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and cerebral edema (HACE) are the most ominous signs that may manifest during a physical examination.

Physical Examination

During physical examination, a clinician may find serious signs indicating more complex conditions such as edema (fluid accumulation in the tissues of the body). At very high altitude, humans can get either high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Signs may include:

Physical Examination

• Physical examination of patients with [disease name] is usually normal.

OR

• Physical examination of patients with [disease name] is usually remarkable for:[finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
• The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is diagnostic of [disease name].
• The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is highly suggestive of [disease name].

Appearance of the Patient

• Patients with [disease name] usually appear [general appearance].

Vital Signs

• Hypothermia may be present
• Tachycardia
• Tachypnea
• High/low blood pressure with normal pulse pressure / wide pulse pressure / narrow pulse pressure

Skin

• Pale or bluish appearance

HEENT

• Visual impairment

Neck

• Neck examination of patients with altitude sickness is usually normal.

Lungs

• Crackles or wheezing may be present

Heart

• Cardiovascular examination of patients with altitude sickness is usually normal.

Abdomen

• Abdominal examination of patients with altitude sickness is usually normal.

Back

• Back examination of patients with altitude sickness is usually normal.

Genitourinary

• Genitourinary examination of patients with altitude sickness is usually normal.

Neuromuscular

• Altered mental status may be present
• Loss of coordination

Extremities

• Cyanosis may be present