Acute altitude sickness usually occurs at altitudes above 2400 meters.
I: Causes
Low air pressure and lack of oxygen in high-altitude areas. The faster you ascend to high altitudes, the more likely you are to experience acute altitude sickness.
II: High-risk factors:
1. Living at sea level on a daily basis and traveling to high-altitude areas.
2. Having experienced altitude sickness before
III: Symptoms:
The symptoms of acute altitude sickness vary depending on the speed of ascent and the level of physical exertion, ranging from mild to life-threatening conditions. The nervous system, lungs, muscles, heart, and other organs may all be affected.
Mild to moderate altitude sickness symptoms——
Sleep disturbances
Dizziness, headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath during activity
Severe altitude sickness symptoms——
Cyanosis
Chest tightness
Confusion
Coughing
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
Lethargy, slurred speech
Pale complexion
Inability to walk straight or inability to walk
Difficulty breathing even at rest
Four: Physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies:
Auscultation of the lungs revealing crackles (Up sounds) indicates pulmonary edema
Blood tests, head CT, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram
Five: Treatment:
Early diagnosis is crucial, as the early stage of acute altitude sickness is highly treatable.
1. The most important treatment is to descend quickly and safely to a lower altitude. Never continue ascending if symptoms of acute altitude sickness are worsening.
2. Oxygen therapy
3. Those with severe altitude sickness symptoms need to be taken to a hospital.
4. Acetazolamide: Has a diuretic effect and is suitable for those with mild altitude sickness symptoms. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Take it before arriving at high altitude.
5. Pulmonary edema treatment: Oxygen therapy, nifedipine (a blood pressure medication), beta-agonists (to dilate the airways), mechanical ventilation, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra)
6. Dexamethasone: Helps reduce cerebral edema
Six: Prognosis
Most cases are mild. Symptoms improve quickly after descending to a lower altitude.
Severe cases can be fatal due to pulmonary or cerebral edema.
In remote areas, treatment may be delayed due to lack of emergency resources, which can affect the prognosis.
Complications: Coma, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema (seizures, altered mental status, permanent neurological damage)
If you experience acute altitude sickness, inform the accompanying medical personnel.
If any of the following symptoms occur, call 120 or the local emergency number immediately:
1) Severe difficulty breathing
2) Altered consciousness
3) Coughing up blood
Seven: Prevention
1. When traveling to high altitudes, proceed slowly rather than quickly
2. Above 2,400 meters altitude, rest for 1–2 days for every additional 600 meters of ascent.
3. Try to spend nights at lower altitudes
4. Learn to recognize early symptoms of acute altitude sickness
5. If going above 3,000 meters altitude, carry supplemental oxygen.
6. If you need to ascend to high altitudes quickly, seek a doctor’s prescription for acetazolamide, which helps your body acclimatize rapidly and reduces altitude sickness symptoms. It can be taken in advance.
7. People with anemia are more prone to altitude sickness and should consult a doctor about iron supplements.
8. Drink plenty of water
9. Avoid alcohol
10. High-carbohydrate diet
11. People with cardiopulmonary diseases should not enter high-altitude areas