Also referred to as AMS
Usually only occurs with altitude >7,000-8,000ft (2,000 m)
May occur at lower altitudes in patients who are particularly susceptible (COPD, CHF, obesity, history of AMS)
Development of symptoms based on: rate of ascent, sleeping altitude, strength of hypoxic ventilatory response, alcohol intake, obesity
NOT based on physical fitness, age, sex, smoking, previous high-altitude experience
Tend to have recurrence of symptoms whenever they return to the symptomatic altitude
May occur at lower altitudes in patients who are particularly susceptible (COPD, CHF, obesity, history of AMS)
NOT based on physical fitness, age, sex, smoking, previous high-altitude experience
Acute mountain sickness
Dehydration
Decompression sickness
AMS is not improved by fluid administration alone
Chronic mountain sickness
Body hydration does not influence susceptibility to AMS
High altitude cerebral edema
Exhaustion