Environmental Flashcards
What is acute mountain sickness(AMS)?
It is a syndrome of high altitude illness that is characterized by a vague set of symptoms similar to carbon monoxide poisoning or influenza caused by acute exposure to low partial pressures of oxygen at high altitude.
What are some risk factors in the development of AMS?
Read of ascent/altitude acclimatization.
History of altitude sickness
Duration of stay at a given altitude
Vigorous exertion and altitude before acclimatization
Sedativehypnotic use or alcohol intake
What are some signs and symptoms of AMS?
Most important feature is a headache with other associated symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, and nausea.
What are some indications for immediate descent?
Evidence of developing HAPE or HACE, such as severe pulmonary edema, or neurological symptoms, such as confusion or ataxia.
What is the mechanism of action of Acetazolamide?
It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that induces, a bicarbonate diuresis, causing a metabolic acidosis and increasing ventilation and oxygenation
What are some contraindications of Acetasol made?
Sulfa allergy in pregnant women.
What is the most common fetal form of high altitude illness?
High altitude, pulmonary edema, HAPE
What are some important for features of HAPE?
Typically more common at a higher altitudes greater than 12,000 fee
Presentation can be sudden
Increased risk for children and younger ad
What are some signs and symptoms of HAPE?
Dry cough
Fatigue with minimal exercise
Dyspnea at rest
Cyanosis
Tachycardia and tachypnea
What are some important tests to consider of available when evaluating HAPE?
Chest radiograph: typically bilateral patch infiltrates
Electro cardiogram: make sure, tachycardia, right heart strain, and abnormal P-wave morphology
What is the differential diagnosis of HAPE?
Pneumonia
Pulmonary embolism
Bronchitis
Name some treatment options for HAPE?
Rest
Oxygen
Descent (Mandatory if above not possible)
Hyperbaric chambers (simulate descent, if Unable to move patient)
Name some preventative measures to help avoid HAPE?
Nifedipine
Slow ascent
Name some treatment options for modern AMS?
Acetazolamide
Oxygen
Dexamethasone for severe cases
What is high-altitude cerebral edema HACE?
The most severe form of high altitude illness, which typically is associated with AMS or HAPE.