How to Assess Altitude Illness

There are three gradations of altitude illness: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

Instructions

Assess for Mild Altitude Illness (AMS)

• 1

  Look for the following signs and symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, malaise, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath on exertion, dry cough escalating to a productive cough, bluish tint around the mouth and in the fingernail beds, swelling of the hands or face.

• 2

  Treat for mild altitude sickness if the person exhibits any of the above symptoms (see "How to Treat Mild Altitude Illness").

• 3

  Evaluate for signs of severe altitude illness by using the following steps.

Assess for Severe Altitude Illness (HAPE or HACE)

• 4

  Look for signs of mild altitude illness, plus the following signs and symptoms: shortness of breath at rest, fatigue, dizziness, vision disturbances, hallucinations, paralysis or loss of sensation in any part of the body.

• 5

  Have the person walk in a straight line and stand with his feet together and eyes closed: Does he stumble or waver?

• 6

  Take the person's heart and respiratory rate (see "How to Measure and Record Vital Signs During First Aid" and "How to Measure and Record Respiratory Rate"). Is either one elevated?

• 7

  Use a stethoscope or put your ear to the person's chest and listen as he takes a deep breath. Do you hear any fluid in the lungs, or is he coughing up any blood?

• 8

  Monitor the person's level of consciousness (see "How to Assess Level of Consciousness During First Aid"). Is it less than A and O times 4?

• 9

  Treat immediately for severe altitude illness if you answered yes to any of the above questions (see "How to Treat Severe Altitude Illness").