Top
30
Doctor insights on:
Mountain Sickness In Children
1
Ams (acute mountain sickness)?

See below: Altitude sickness—also known as acute mountain sickness (ams), altitude illness, hypobaropathy, "the altitude bends", or soroche—is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 2, 400 metres (8, 000 feet). ...Read more
Altitude Illness (Definition)
A condition that occurs when you can't get enough oxygen from the air at high altitudes. This causes symptoms such as a headache, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It happens most often when people who are not used to high altitudes go quickly from lower altitudes to 8, ...Read more
3
What can cause acute mountain sickness?

Altitude sickness: Acute altitude sickness may be associated with any combination of the following symptoms: fatigue, headache, dizziness, insomnia, shortness of breath during exertion, nausea, decreased appetite, swelling of extremities. Altitude sickness develops when the rate of ascent into higher altitudes outpaces the body's ability to adjust to those altitudes. ...Read more
4
What are the tests for mountain sickness?

Altitude sickness:
Acute altitude sickness may be associated with any combination of the following symptoms: fatigue, headache, dizziness, insomnia, shortness of breath during exertion, nausea, decreased appetite, swelling of extremities.
Altitude sickness develops when the rate of ascent into higher altitudes outpaces the body's ability to adjust to those altitudes.
...Read more
5
What are the types of mountain sickness and causes?

Mountain sickness: There are several stages, not types, of mountain sickness. With all, the cause is ascending to elevation faster than the person can equilibrate. Initial symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, headache, dizziness, and nausea, w/shortness of breath on exertion. Progresses to cyanosis, shortness of breath @ rest, confusion. Pulmonary edema, to coma & death. Must descend as quickly as safely possible. ...Read more
6
What are the symptomsof moderate acute mountain sickness?

Altitude sickness: Acute altitude sickness may be associated with any combination of the following symptoms: fatigue, headache, dizziness, insomnia, shortness of breath during exertion, nausea, decreased appetite, swelling of extremities. Altitude sickness develops when the rate of ascent into higher altitudes outpaces the body's ability to adjust to those altitudes. ...Read more
7
What is the definition or description of: Mountain sickness?

Mountain sickness: Mountain sickness (Altitude sickness) is caused by exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. Possible symptoms include headache. nausea/vomiting. dizziness, fatigue, decreased appetite. upset stomach & unsteadiness. ...Read more
8
What medical symptoms might I get when I have mountain sickness?

Mountain sickness: Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Initially, there may be dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, and shortness of breath w/exertion. Later there can be chest tightness, blue skin discoloration (cyanosis), confusion, cough, coughing up blood, withdrawal from social interaction, and shortness of breath @ rest. Worst stage is coma and death. ...Read more
9
What is the treatment for mountain sickness?

Recompression: Recompression (descent), acetazolamide, hydration, oxygen.
Get a more detailed answer ›
10
How is mountain sickness treated if no doctor?

Go DOWN: First principle in treating mountain sickness is to climb down from high altitude as soon as safely possible. Also like my colleague says, extra oxygen. If you're going hiking above 8000 feet, it's good to have some Diamox (acetazolamide) (a diuretic) in your pack, just in case. Drink plenty of fluids if using this. Avoid alcohol before you ascend in the first place. ...Read more
11
How is mountain sickness self-diagnosed?

Mountain sickness: Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Initially, there may be dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, and shortness of breath w/exertion. Later there can be chest tightness, blue skin discoloration (cyanosis), confusion, cough, coughing up blood, withdrawal from social interaction, and shortness of breath @ rest. Worst stage is coma and death. ...Read more
12
What is the prognosis for moderate (not mild) acute mountain sickness if it has resolved? Any long-term sequelae?

Primary concern: The primary concern is fluid build up in the lungs....So, see a lung specialist to be appropriately treated ...Read more
13
How effective is acetozolamide in preventing acute mountain sickness?

Effective: Good choice but can also cause side effects: try vigorous hydration and slow ascending. ...Read more
14
Can you tell me things to keep in mind about mountain-sickness?

Prevention is Key:
1. Risk over 8000 ft.
2. Gradual ascent gives your body time to acclimatize.
3. Remember, it's how high you sleep each night that really counts; climbers have a maxim 'climb high, sleep low.
4. If possible, ; if going high, see a travel ; wilderness specialist for preventative meds.
5. If ill the only sure treatment is rapid descent.
...Read more
15
Is hypoglycemia and anxiety cause acute mountain sickness? What are the pathopysiology of this two causes?

NOT anxiety or sugar: The cause of acute mountain sickness (ams) is truly altitude -- not anxiety or hypoglycemia. The problem is that barometric pressure decreases with altitude, resulting in less oxygen available. The person climbs more quickly than physiologic acclimatization can match. For many, this can happen above 7500 feet. Http://www. Nlm. Nih. Gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000133.htm. ...Read more
16
Have history of sinus problems and will be tavelling to nepal soon. Some tips to prevent mountain sickness?
Acclimatization: The best method to prevent high altitude illness is to limit your rate of ascent to high altitudes. If you will be climbing a high peak, you should follow a careful acclimatization schedule, increasing sleep altitude by no more than 300m each night. If you are a casual tourist and will not be needing to maintain your aerobic endurance, acetazolamide can be used to help prevent altitude sickness. ...Read more
17
What is the best way to diagnose acute mountain sickness? I usually get headaches, lightheadedness and occasional nausea at high elevation.

Mountain sickness: Those are exactly the symptoms you will feel at higher elevations if you can, try to move upto the higher elevations more gradually and you will accommodate a little better. Good luck. ...Read more
18
What to do if I have a history of sinus problem and I will be travelling to nepal soon. Any tips to prevent mountain sickness?
Mountain Sickness: Sinus issues generally do not relate to the onset of Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS. Diamox (acetazolamide) 125mg twice a day two days prior to altitude then three more days is considered a drug of choice to prevent AMS. Consider also asking your physician for a prescription for Dexamethsone 4mg in case AMS symptoms occur. ...Read more
19
How would I know if I have acute mountain sickness? If I have some dizzy spells, lightheadedness and fatigue is it altitude related?

Mountain sickness: These are common symptoms of mountain sickness. ...Read more
20
Lightheadedness and tingling in the face in addition to dull headache at high altitude. Acute mountain sickness? Very uncomfortable. Treatment?

Barometric headache: Features of mountain sickness do come to mind when you give that history. There is also another entity called barometric headache which occurs in some individuals who reach an altitude of above 7500 feet. Treatment could be acclimation to the altitude or simply coming down from that altitude for a time and then returning until acclimation occurs. Fluids and simple analgesics may be of benefit. ...Read more
21
How can I treat altitude illness?
Safe descent: The best treatment for altitude illness or altitude sickness is to decrease one's elevation by at least 1000 ft (quickly and safely.) if symptoms do not improve, one needs to descend another 1000 ft. If one has symptoms of hace (high altitude cerebral edema) or hape (high altitude pulmonary edema) contact search and rescue and arrange for emergent air evacuation. ...Read more
22
What sort of problem is altitude illness?

Altitude illness: Altitude illness can be a serious problem. If not recognized early, it can be fatal. The key aspect of prevention is to acclimatize yourself to a medium altitude before you go to high altitude. Consultation with an md can get you medicine to reduce the risk of illness. Many people (eg, skiers at 5000') experience mild illness--jittery, headache, insomnia. These mean it is time to take a break. ...Read more
23
Are the symptoms of altitude illness bad?
Yes: High altitude sickness is associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs which causes severe shortness of breath and if left untreated, may be lethal. ...Read more
24
What do you recommend for altitude illness?
Drop in elevation: The best treatment for altitude illness or altitude sickness is to decrease one's elevation by at least 1000 ft (quickly and safely.) if symptoms do not improve, one needs to descend another 1000 ft. If one has symptoms of hace (high altitude cerebral edema) or hape (high altitude pulmonary edema) contact search and rescue and arrange for emergent air evacuation. ...Read more
25
How fast can I make my altitude illness go away?
Lower altitude: High altitude illness is a serious issue and I am not sure I understand what you mean by altitude illness. The treatment for high altitude sickness is evacuation to a lower altitude, diuretic and oxygen. ...Read more
26
Does altitude illness usually cause many symptoms?
Respiratory: High altitude illness causes fluid in the lungs resulting in difficulty in breathing and poor oxygenation of blood. Symptoms may include cough with frothy sputum, and weakness. ...Read more
27
What are the most common symptoms of altitude illness?
Many: Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness or unsteadiness, confusion, mental status changes, shortness of breath and coughing. When at altitude, descend immediately at least 1000 feet; if no improvement, descend another 1000 feet. Symptoms of hape and hace (high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema) require immediate air evacuation. ...Read more
28
How common is it for somebody to get altitude illness?
Common: Almost 1/3 of people have symptoms above 3000 meters (9800 feet) some seem more sensitive at lower altitude. Going up faster, (also sleeping high at night, perhaps not being fit, not using preventative medicine) all increase risk. Altitude illness is first reversible by reversing direction and going back downhill. If ignored--deaths do occur. Take it seriously and learn about symptoms. ...Read more
29
Will altitude illness stop me from going on my vacation?

Shouldn't:
Your dr has several choices to prevent altitude illness including "diamox" a special type of diuretic (water pill), cortisone, nifedipine, or salmeterol.
I usually recommend the "diamox" acetazolamide as it is cheap and easy to use.
...Read more
30
Do lots of people get altitude illness, or is it unusual?
At high altitude: Only people climbing to a high altitude get high altitude illness, especially if they do it without proper acclimatization. ...Read more
Mountain Sickness (Definition)
Mountain sickness (Altitude sickness) is caused by exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. Possible symptoms include headache. Nausea/vomiting. Dizziness, fatigue, decreased appetite. ...Read more