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Altitude Illness, Pediatric

Michael Yaron, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

High-altitude illness represents a spectrum of clinical entities with neurologic and pulmonary manifestations that overlap presentations and share elements of pathophysiology. Acute ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • AMS:

    • All symptoms may range from mild to severe and incapacitating. AMS occurs in the setting of recent altitude gain, a headache, and at least one of the following: anorexia, nausea o...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • After development of altitude illness, further ascent is contraindicated until resolution occurs.

  • Descent (of 1,600 to 3,300 feet) from altitude of illness onset is effective ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Refer to primary care physician for education of prevention strategies and consideration of prophylaxis with future ascent. History of HAPE or severe hypoxemia wa...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Joy E, Van Baak K, Dec KL, et al. Wilderness preparticipation evaluation and considerations for special populations. Wilderness Environ Med.  2015;26(Suppl 4): S76–S91. [View A...

CODES

ICD9

  • 993.2 Other and unspecified effects of high altitude

  • 799.02 Hypoxemia

ICD10

  • T70.20XA Unspecified effects of high altitude, initial encounter

  • T70.29XA Other effects of high altitude, initial enco...

FAQ

  • Q: Can one develop AMS at moderate altitudes, such as during a ski vacation?

  • A: Yes. 25% of visitors from sea level will get AMS symptoms, although the altitudes encountered rarely lead to the deve...

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