Abstract
High altitude illness encompasses a group of conditions ranging from acute mountain sickness (AMS) in its mild form to life threatening conditions like high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), that can occur to anyone who travels to high altitude. Though the diagnosis of HACE and HAPE is mainly based on the relevant history, some lab findings and scoring systems, specially Lake Louise AMS score may help rule out other confounders and underscore the diagnosis. Immediate descent is the preferred management modality in AMS, with some role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy if immediate descent is not possible. There is some evidence for use of dexamethasone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, nifedipine and phosphodiesterase inhibitors along with continuous positive airway pressure, endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation where appropriate. A case scenario involving HACE and HAPE is presented, along with case management and elaboration of available evidences.
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Shrestha, G.S., Bhandari, S., Mishra, R.C., Lopa, A.J. (2023). Management of High-Altitude Cerebral Edema and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema. In: Hidalgo, J., Da Re, S., D'Almeida, A.G. (eds) High Altitude Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35092-4_11
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