Altitude sickness physical examination
|
Altitude sickness Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Altitude sickness physical examination On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Altitude sickness physical examination |
|
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
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