HIGH-ALTITUDE MEDICINE

As more people enjoy the outdoors, high-altitude illness is increasing ly becoming a problem that family physicians across the country must t reat. High-altitude illness, which usually occurs at altitudes of over 1,500 m (4,921 ft), is caused primarily by hypoxia but is compounded by cold and exposure. It presents as one of three forms: acute mountai n sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary enema (HAPE) and high-altitu de cerebral edema (HACE). But high-altitude illness can have many othe r manifestations. Cardinal symptoms include dyspnea on exertion and at rest, cough, nausea, difficulty sleeping, headache and mental status changes. Treatment requires descent, and gradual acclimatization provi des the most effective prevention. Acetazolimide is an effective preve ntive aid and can be used in certain conditions as treatment.