SHORT DESCRIPTION ABOUT HIGH ALTITUDE ILLNESS BY DR. ANAND SINGH BHADORIYA (MBBS)

2.  1. High altitude
 2. Acclimatization
 3. High altitude illness:
 AMS( Acute mountain sickness)
 Symptoms of AMS
 Treatment of AMS
 HACO(High altitude cerebral oedema)
 Symptoms of HACO
 Treatment of HACO.
 HAPO(High altitude pulmonary oedema)
 Symptoms of HAPO
 Treatment of HAPO.
 Prevention of HAI

3. • Altitude > 2700 m (9000 ft)
• Main problem: decreased availability of oxygen
 causing a disorder of normal breathing
• Other factors:
• Low Temperature
 Low Air Humidity
 High UV Radiation
 Low Atmospheric Pressure

4.  Acclimatization:
 The prose's of adjusting the body according to the new climate, high
altitude etc any other change called acclimatization.
 Adaptation
 Involves biochemical, physiological and anatomical
changes in the organism which have a genetic basis and is
inheritable
Changes :
1. Breathing:
 Hyperventilation (breathing deeper and faster)
 Shortness of breath during exertion
 Changed breathing pattern (periodic breathing) and frequent awakening at
night
2. Blood circulation:
 Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
 Decreased maximum heart rate
 Higher number of red blood cells
3. Body fluid :
 Increased urination (altitude diuresis)

5. 1. Headache along 2 Or More Of The Following Symptoms:
2. Loss Of Appetite,
3. Difficulty Sleeping
4. Nausea, Vomiting
5. Fatigue, Weakness Dizziness, Light-headedness
In The Setting Of A Recent Gain In Altitude Above 2700 M(9000ft)
TREATMENT OF AMS
1. Never Continue Ascent !
2. Descent /Rest At The Same Altitude
3. Mild Analgesics (Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen
4. Diamox
5. O2
SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (A M S )

6. 1. Breathlessness at rest
2. Cough
3. Weakness, fatigue, drowsiness
4. Chest tightness, fullness, congestion
5. gurgling or rattling breaths
6. central cyanosis (blue or dark purple lips)
7. fast breathing
8. increased heart rate
In The Setting Of A Recent Gain In Altitude Above 9000 FT
TREATMENT
1. Never Continue Ascent
2. Immediate descent to lower altitude
3. Oxygen inhalation
4. Hyperbaric bag (HAPO Bag)
5. Diamox

7. 1 AMS
2 ataxia (loss of coordination of movements)
1 Walk in a straight Line
2 Touch finger To nose tip
3 mental status changes (confusion, disorientation)
1. illusion 2. Delusion 3. Hallucination
TREATMENT
1. Never Continue Ascent
2. Immediate descent to lower altitude
3. Oxygen inhalation
4. Hyperbaric bag (HAPO Bag)
5. Acetazolamide (Diamox)
6. Dexamethasone

8. • PORTABLE HYPERBARIC CHAMBER
Air-impermeable bags that can be inflated to high pressure, simulating descent
Main types: Gamo Certec PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber)
• Indications: HACO or HAPO when descent is impossible
• Contraindications: Absolute - lack of spontaneous breathing
• Relative - middle ear congestion, claustrophobia

9. 1. Gradual ascent within the tolerance zone
2. Full acclimatization
3. Descent when develop symptoms of AMS
4. Avoiding medications that cause depression
of breathing like alcohol, sleeping pills,
sedatives, strong (narcotic) painkillers
5. Prophylaxis

10. “THE GOLDEN RULES”
If you feel unwell at High Altitude, it is high altitude
illness until proven otherwise
Never ascend with symptoms of AMS
If you are getting worse or have HACO or HAPO, get
down immediately
“DON’T BE A
GAMA IN THE