Patient discussions
Healthcare providers should counsel international travellers to high-altitude destinations on gradual acclimatisation strategies and the use of drugs to prevent altitude illness.[1]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines the following ‘three rules’ for travellers to prevent death or other serious consequences from high-altitude illness:[1]
Know the early symptoms of altitude illness (similar to those of a hangover) and be willing to acknowledge when symptoms are present.
Never ascend to sleep at a higher altitude when experiencing symptoms of altitude illness, regardless of how minor the symptoms seem.
Descend if the symptoms become worse despite rest or treatment at the same elevation.
In the vast majority of cases, acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema can be prevented by ascending slowly once above altitudes of >2500 m. Once above 3000 m, the altitude at which one sleeps should not be increased by more than 500 m in 24 hours. A rest day should be taken every 3-4 days.[26]
Patients are advised to ascend slowly in future ascents to high altitude and should take extra caution. Education should be provided about the appropriate course of action if symptoms appear, and when to seek help.
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