Altitude sickness physical examination

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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

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