Altitude Illness

A spectrum of medical problems ranging from mild discomfort to fatal illness that occur on ascent to higher altitudes as a direct result of inadequate acclimatization

Categories of al...

AMS, mild to moderate symptoms

• Headache, plus at least one of:

  • Anorexia

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Dizziness or light-headedness

  • Insomnia

AMS, severe symptoms

• Increased headache

• Irritability

• Marked fa...

Individuals without previous altitude exposure should adhere to acclimatization guidelines.

Early recognition is important.

Stop ascent, acclimatize at the same altitude, and/o...

For mild cases, no follow-up is needed.

For more severe cases, follow until symptoms subside.

Imray C, Booth A, Wright A, et al. Acute altitude illnesses. BMJ.  2011;343:d4943. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]

Luks AM, McIntosh SE, Grissom CK, et al. Wilderness Medical Soc...

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

T70.20XD Unspecified effects of high altitude, subsequent encounter

T70.20XS Unspecified effects of high altitude, sequela

T70....

Slow ascent and timely descent are important in the prevention and treatment of high-altitude illnesses.

Lack of symptom resolution with appropriate descent suggests an alternative diag...