Descent is mainstay of altitude illness treatment

doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7395.0

Descent is mainstay of altitude illness treatment

Altitude illness is best handled by stopping further ascent, but severe or persistent symptoms require descending, aided byoxygen and drug treatment. In a clinical review, Barry and Pollard(p 915) explain the symptoms and forms of the illness and theavailable treatments. In most cases, altitude illness is a selflimiting and benign syndrome, but it can progress to life threateningforms, such as pulmonary or cerebral oedema. It is common in travellersto altitudes over 2500 m, and the mainstay of treatment is descending.The authors say that doctors should view oxygen and drug treatmentas adjuncts to aid descent.

(Credit: DMTM CHAMONIX)