Assess Altitude Illness

Assess Altitude Illness

There are three gradations of altitude illness: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

Instructions

Assess for Mild Altitude Illness (AMS)

1. Look for the following signs and symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, malaise, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath on exertion, dry cough escalating to a productive cough, bluish tint around the mouth and in the fingernail beds, swelling of the hands or face.

2. Treat for mild altitude sickness if the person exhibits any of the above symptoms (see "Treat Mild Altitude Illness").

3. Evaluate for signs of severe altitude illness by using the following steps.

Assess for Severe Altitude Illness (HAPE or HACE)

4. Look for signs of mild altitude illness, plus the following signs and symptoms: shortness of breath at rest, fatigue, dizziness, vision disturbances, hallucinations, paralysis or loss of sensation in any part of the body.

5. Have the person walk in a straight line and stand with his feet together and eyes closed: Does he stumble or waver?

6. Take the person's heart and respiratory rate (see "Measure and Record Vital Signs During First Aid" and "Measure and Record Respiratory Rate"). Is either one elevated?

7. Use a stethoscope or put your ear to the person's chest and listen as he takes a deep breath. Do you hear any fluid in the lungs, or is he coughing up any blood?

8. Monitor the person's level of consciousness (see "Assess Level of Consciousness During First Aid"). Is it less than A and O times 4?

9. Treat immediately for severe altitude illness if you answered yes to any of the above questions (see "Treat Severe Altitude Illness").

Tags: Altitude Illness, altitude illness, Assess Altitude, Assess Altitude Illness, During First, following signs, following signs symptoms