High Altitude Illness Prevention
Gradual ascent is critical in the prevention of altitude illness. Previous altitude exposure in the preceeding months can help acclimitization. 'Normobaric hypoxic' air generators (eg. AltiPower, CAT, Go2altitude) simulate low oxygen (at normal pressure) at sea-level and may help reduce the symptoms of AMS when used before the planned trip. Some medication can help prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). For more see the section on AMS. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 May 2010 11:04 |
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High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE)
HACE is due to brain swelling. Symptoms include confusion, loss of coordination, severe headache, drowsiness and loss of consciousness. Symptoms of AMS are almost always present first. Loss of co-ordination (ataxia) leads to patients being unable to ‘walk a straight line’. This condition can be rapidly fatal. The best treatment is rapid descent (>300m). A hyperbaric bag should be used if rapid descent is not possible. Effective medications include dexamethasone and acetazolamide. Oxygen should be given if available. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 May 2010 11:03 |
High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)
HAPE is due to fluid in the lungs caused by an increase in pressure in the vessels that carry blood to the lungs. It is reversible so early recognition and treatment is vital.
It manifests as shortness of breath, chest tightness, pink frothy sputum, cough, cyanosis (blueness of lips/fingers) and fatigue. Symptoms of AMS may or not be present prior. It commonly occurs on the second night. HAPE can be confused with other lung conditions such as high altitude cough, pneumonia and asthma.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 May 2010 12:23 |
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Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS reflects a lack of acclimatization. It is not a reflection of lack of fitness or ‘a failure’ and its presence should not be ignored as the consequences can be serious. People most at risk include those with prior episodes of AMS, fast ascent, and higher altitudes. Other factors include degree of physical exertion and factors in individual susceptibility (including being overweight). Planned activities may not be possible to complete during the first few days at altitude. Sea-level fitness is not protective for altitude illness.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 May 2010 19:54 |
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High Altitude
As altitude increases, the amount of oxygen available to be breathed decreases leading to low oxygen levels (hypoxia). The body will attempt to acclimatize to this lack of oxygen but may not be able to adequately compensate and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) may develop. These conditions may be fatal.
At Altitudes of 1500-2500m exercise performance can be reduced but altitude sickness is rare. Commercial aircraft are pressurised to an altitude equivalent of 1500-2500m. At 2500m hypoxia occurs even at rest and symptoms of altitude sickness can be present. At levels over 4000m acclimatization is always required to prevent illness. At extreme altitude (>5500m) illness can occur despite acclimatization and sustained inhabitation is impossible.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 May 2010 10:00 |
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