Altitude sickness physical examination

Altitude sickness Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Altitude Sickness from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Altitude sickness physical examination On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Altitude sickness physical examination All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Altitude sickness physical examination
CDC on Altitude sickness physical examination
Altitude sickness physical examination in the news
Blogs on Altitude sickness physical examination
Directions to Hospitals Treating Altitude sickness
Risk calculators and risk factors for Altitude sickness physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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 acclimitisation occurs.

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and cerebral edema (HACE) are the most ominous signs that may manifestation during physical examiantion.

Physical Examination

Signs during physical examination that may indicate life-threatening altitude sickness include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath even when resting
• Headache that does not respond to analgesics
• Unsteady gait
• Increased vomiting
• Gradual loss of consciousness.

More Severe Findings

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:

• Severe dyspnea at rest
• Cough that is initially dry but may progress to produce pink, frothy sputum.
• Visual impairment
• Bladder dysfunction
• Bowel dysfunction
• Loss of coordination
• Paralysis on one side of the body
• Confusion