Altitude

Question 1

AMS signs

Answer 1

headache
lack of appetite
nausea, vomiting
insomnia
unusually tired
resembles alcohol hangover or flu
if you’re not sure if they have AMS, always treat for it

Question 2

AMS tx

Answer 2

descend or stop ascending until sxs resolved
if sxs get worse, must descend

Question 3

AMS evac

Answer 3

if sxs resolve, evac not needed
if sxs continue or get worse: slow evac, self-evac if possible

Question 4

HAPE signs

Answer 4

dry cough, followed by SOB even at rest
SOB worsens, may have chest pain
cough becomes productive; frothy sputum at first progressing to reddish sputum

Question 5

HAPE tx

Answer 5

descend

Question 6

HACE signs

Answer 6

ataxia - this is the most important early sign - pt can’t walk in a straight line
may or may not have severe headache unrelieved by rest/meds
altered mental status
seizures, coma

Question 7

HACE tx

Answer 7

descend

Question 8

HAPE/HACE evac

Answer 8

fast evac
immediately evac to altitude at least 1000-1500 feet lower, followed by evac to definitive care

Question 9

altitude illness - prevention

Answer 9

gain altitude no faster than your body can acclimatize:
- first camp should be no higher than 8000 feet; increase no more than 1000-1500 feet per night
- if starting higher than 9000 feet, spend 2 nights at that elevation before proceeding higher
exercise moderately until acclimatized; avoid intense exercise, which can cause excessive SOB & fatigue
eat a lot of carbs
hydrate
rx meds