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High-Altitude Illness, Sports Medicine

Joseph E. Allen, MD, MS, FAAFP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

  • Altitude sickness was described and documented by missionaries to South America in the late 16th century.

  • High-altitude illness (HAI) is primarily caused by hypobaric hypoxemia. Rapid ascent to ...

DIAGNOSIS

  • AMS:

    • Nausea

    • Light-headedness

    • Headache

    • Insomnia

    • Anorexia

    • Malaise

    • Fatigue

    • Weakness

    • Impaired memory

    • Inability to focus or concentrate

  • HAPE: Symptoms of AMS may present initially and then progress 2 to 5 d...

TREATMENT

ALERT
  • Descent to a lower altitude is the mainstay of treatment for any HAI.

  • Low-intensity descent of at least 500 m is recommended.

  • Avoid further ascent until symptoms resolve.

  • Supplemental oxyg...

ONGOING CARE

  • General measures:

    • Minimize heavy exertion for 2 to 3 days upon arrival to high altitude.

    • Maintain adequate hydration.

    • Eat frequent, small, high-carbohydrate meals.

    • Avoid alcohol or other seda...

REFERENCES

1
Kitsteiner J, Whitworth JD, Nashelsky J. FPIN’s clinical inquiries. Preventing acute mountain sickness. Am Fam Physician.  2011;84(4):398–400.
2
Lipman GS, Kanaan NC, Holck PS, et al. I...

ADDITIONAL READING

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Proper acclimatization (i.e., graded ascent) is the best method for preventing HAI.

  • Never ascend to a higher sleeping altitude if symptoms of HAI are present.

  • Acetazolamide 125 to 250 mg...

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