CHEST 2023 On Demand Pass-Rare Air: High Altitude Pathophysiology, Syndromes, Transport, and Management

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In today's session on high-altitude and high-altitude syndromes, Dr. Bissonnette discusses the pathophysiology of high-altitude syndromes, as well as how to recognize, prevent, and treat these symptoms. He begins by presenting a case of a 45-year-old healthy male who plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and wants recommendations to prevent acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral edema. Dr. Bissonnette then goes on to discuss evidence-based recommendations from the Wilderness Society of America, including the use of acetazolamide and dexamethasone as preventive medications. He explains that high-altitude syndromes typically occur in individuals who are not acclimatized to high altitude and rapidly ascend to final elevations of over 2,500 meters. He also explains the basic physiology of high-altitude illness and the importance of maintaining arterial oxygen saturation at altitude. Dr. Bissonnette concludes by discussing the grading classification for risk stratification and the use of acclimatization strategies, including gradual ascent and rest days. He emphasizes the importance of descent as the definitive treatment for high-altitude syndromes and recommends supplemental oxygen and hyperbaric chambers if available. Overall, he highlights the need for careful planning and preparation to prevent and manage high-altitude syndromes in individuals traveling to high-altitude environments.

Meta Tag

Category Occupational and Environmental

Session ID 1021

Speaker Andrew Bissonette

Speaker Michael Harrison

Speaker Harish Kinni

Speaker Sophia Lubrin

Track Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Keywords

high-altitude syndromes

acute mountain sickness

high-altitude cerebral edema

acetazolamide

dexamethasone

physiology

risk stratification

acclimatization strategies

descent