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Table of contents

Altitude Physics Atmosphere

Altitude

Physics and atmospheric conditions

Barometric pressure

PowerPoint-Präsentation

Effects of latitude

Seasonal changes

Latitude and season

Acclimatization

Normal acclimatization

Acute mountain sickness

Symptoms of mild AMS

Any symptom of AMS should be considered due to altitude unless proven otherwise.

What else could it be?

Natural history of AMS

Moderate AMS

Physical findings

Management of moderate AMS

If in doubt, go down.

Measurements

Pulse rate

Oxygen saturation

Severe AMS

Brain

HACE High altitude cerebral oedema

HAPE High altitude pulmonary oedema

Management of severe AMS

Medical treatment

Non medical treatment

Prophylaxis

Medical prophylaxis

Acetazolamide Diamox®

Acetazolamide

Gingko biloba

Coca

Anti asthmatic medication

Oxygen

Treatment of AMS

Slide 39

Dexamethasone

Nifedipine

Slide 42

Hyperbaric bag

Physiology at altitude

Oxygen 21 % of ambient air at all altitudes

Respiration normal values:

Respiration

How do we compensate for this when going to high altitude?

Ventilation

Slide 50

Long term acclimatization

Oxygen uptake and transport

Oxygen transport

Hyperventilation

Circulation

Heart

Blood

Blood cells

Vessels

Brain vessels

Kidneys

Slide 62

Factors affecting acclimatization

Other medical problems at altitude

Thrombosis

Peripheral oedema

High altitude retinopathy

HAFE – high altitude flatus

Pharyngitis/bronchitis

Immune suppression

Tooth ache

Other altitude related hazards

UV - Radiation

Infrared Radiation

Reduced humidity

Sudden climate changes

Slide 77

Medical disease and altitude

Diabetes

Asthma

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Epilepsia

Performance at altitude

General fitness

Muscle power

Cerebral function

Motor function

Verbal learning and memory

Finger tapping test

Aphasia screening test

Long term effects

Author: J. Schneider