Medical Problems in High Mountain Environments. A Handbook for Medical Officers.

Abstract

This Technical Note describes the physiological and medical basis for the prevention and treatment of altitude-related illnesses and a description of the reduced mental and physical performance incurred by troops in an operational high terrestrial altitude environment. Medical officers are provided with background information for the diagnosis, prevention and management of the primary altitude-induced medical problems: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Secondary medical problems are also reviewed as are precautionary and contributory sea-level medical conditions and general physiological and psychological factors affecting the performance of soldiers at altitude. Altitude, Acute Mountain Sickness, Pulmonary Edema, Cerebral Edema, Occupational and Preventive Medicine, Acclimatization, Altitude Medicine, High Terrestrial Elevation