Acute altitude illness

Jenny Visser discusses acute altitude illnesses including several conditions that may occur in individuals travelling to high altitudes, usually above 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). Jenny covers the sensible precautions that allow most trips to altitude to be enjoyed safely.

Topics

Intro
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Case Study
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Risk factors when travelling to altitude
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Categories of risk
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Acclimatisation process
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Preventative medications (Acetazolamide)
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Acute Mountain Sickness
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Take home messages
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Take home messages

Don't be frightened; don't ignore the warning signs.
Watch for the headache of acute mountain sickness.
Watch out for the person in your party who doesn't have the same exercise tolerance as the day before.
Go slow; time is your friend.
Never go on to a higher altitude with symptoms.

Resources

Altitude illness summary Travel Health Pro
High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness CDC Yellow Book 2024
Travel at High Altitude MedEx - The Medical Expeditions Booklet

Presenter

Jenny Vissor

Senior Lecturer - Travel Medicine

Jenny is the lead academic for Travel Medicine Postgraduate Studies and Senior Lecturer, Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington.

Jenny’s background is in general practice having been a general practitioner in Wellington for 12 years before then specialising in travel medicine. Her research interests include the travel health needs of long term expatriates and expedition medicine. She also works part time in clinical travel medicine in Wellington.