Diagnosis of Altitude Sickness
Primarily, the diagnosis of altitude sickness is based on symptoms and recent travel history. There are no blood tests or scans required in most cases — the diagnosis is clinical, based on what the patient feels and how recently they ascended to a higher altitude.
Key Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
- Headache (often throbbing)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
These usually begin 6 to 24 hours after arriving at altitude and may worsen overnight.
Red Flags for Severe Forms:
- High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE):
- Severe headache
- Confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty walking (ataxia)
- Visual disturbances
- Loss of consciousness
- High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE):
- Shortness of breath even at rest
- Persistent cough (often producing frothy or pink sputum)
- Chest tightness
- Cyanosis (blue lips or fingertips)
These are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate descent and medical care.
Diagnostic Tools in the Field
In high-altitude settings, healthcare providers or guides may use:
- Pulse oximetry to measure blood oxygen saturation
- Lake Louise Score — a questionnaire used to assess AMS severity
No imaging or lab work is needed unless complications arise.
If you’re planning a trip to a high-altitude location — like Mount Kilimanjaro or the Andes — being aware of these symptoms could help you or your group identify the condition early and take action before it escalates.
👉 [Next: Treatment for Altitude Sickness]
