Chronic mountain sickness
Background
- Excessive polycythemia for a given altitude (Hgb >20)
- Occurs in patients living at high-altitude who have COPD, sleep apnea or impaired respiratory drive
Clinical Features
- Headache
- Difficulty thinking
- Impaired peripheral circulation
- Drowsiness
Differential Diagnosis
High Altitude Illnesses
- Acute mountain sickness
- Chronic mountain sickness
- High altitude cerebral edema
- High altitude pulmonary edema
- High altitude peripheral edema
- High altitude retinopathy
- High altitude pharyngitis and bronchitis
- Ultraviolet keratitis
Evaluation
Expected SpO2 and PaO2 levels at altitude[1]
| Altitude | SpO2 | PaO2 (mm Hg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 to 3,500 m (4,900 to 11,500 ft) | about 90% | 55-75 |
| 3,500 to 5,500 m (11,500 to 18,000 ft) | 75-85% | 40-60 |
| 5,500 to 8,850 m (18,000 to 29,000 ft) | 58-75% | 28-40 |
Management
- Phlebotomy
- Relocation to lower altitude
- Home O2 use
See Also
References
- ↑ Gallagher, MD, Scott A.; Hackett, MD, Peter (August 28, 2018). "High altitude pulmonary edema". UpToDate. Retrieved May 2, 2019.