What are the three main types of altitude-related disorders?

acute mountain sickness (AMS), which may progress to high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE)

What causes Altitude related disorders?

chronic hypobaric hypoxia which develops at high altitudes

What altitude does Altitude related disorders start to develop?

above 2,500 - 3,000m

How can you prevent Altitude related disorders?

• gain altitude at no more than 500 m per day
• acetazolamide (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor)

What is the treatment for Altitude related disorders?

descent

What are the features of altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE)?

classical pulmonary oedema features

What are the features of high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE)?

headache, ataxia, papilloedema

What is the management of high altitude pulmonary oedema?

• descent
• nifedipine, dexamethasone, acetazolamide, phosphodiesterase type V inhibitors*
• oxygen if available

What is the management of high altitude cerebral oedema?

• descent
• dexamethasone