Overview
Incidence
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Evaluation
Treatment
drugs
Warning Signs
Prevention
Complications
Underlying Cause
Altitude Pulmonary Edema Evaluation
The evaluation of a high altitude pulmonary edema begins with a history and physical exam. 
Physical findings in someone with high altitude pulmonary edema may include:
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Cyanosis
- Fever
- Rapid breathing rate
- Rapid heart rate
- Leg swelling (bilateral)
- Arm swelling (bilateral)
Physiologic Divisions of High Altitude
| Altitude | Elevation | Effects |
| High | 4,900-11,500 ft | decreased exercise performance, increased ventilation |
| Very high | 11,500-18,000 ft | extreme low oxygen during sleep & activity |
| Extremely high | >18,000 ft | physiologic decompensation in humans |
Tests are usually not necessary to make the diagnosis of high altitude pulmonary edema.
Tests that may be used to evaluate high altitude pulmonary edema include:
Continue to Altitude Pulmonary Edema Treatment
Last Updated: Dec 15, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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PubMed Altitude Pulmonary Edema References
- Basnyat B, Murdoch DR. High-altitude illness. Lancet. 2003 Jun 7;361(9373):1967-74. [12801752]
- Foster PP, Feiveson AH, Boriek AM. Predicting time to decompression illness during exercise at altitude, based on formation and growth of bubbles. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2000 Dec;279(6):R2317-28. [11080100]
- Gallagher SA, Hackett PH. High-altitude illness. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2004 May;22(2):329-55, viii. Review. [15163571]
- Gertsch JH, Basnyat B, Johnson EW, Onopa J, Holck PS. Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled comparison of ginkgo biloba and acetazolamide for prevention of acute mountain sickness among Himalayan trekkers: the prevention of high altitude illness trial (PHAIT). BMJ. 2004 Apr 3;328(7443):797. [15070635]