ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Course overview

Altitude sickness (AS), also known as hypobaropathy, refers to a spectrum of hypoxia-related illnesses that occur as a result of acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at altitudes most commonly higher than 8,200 feet above sea level. The mildest form of AS is acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can progress to life-threatening conditions: high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which is considered the end-stage of severe AMS. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of altitude sickness, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.