Suggest Treatment For Altitude Sickness

Posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I think my son is suffering from altitude sickness, is in high altitude hiking, and has had a headache for at least 24 hours. Do I need to take him to the ER?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Altitude sickness

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

In order to answer your question I need a few more details

1. Was the climb up the altitude at a rapid rate? and approximately what height?
2. Is he having mild confusion?
3. Is there vomiting ?
4. Was any pain killer? Did it help?
5. Is there any blurring of vision?

Please get back to me, awaiting your reply

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (16 hours later)

Our son has seen a urgent care nurse in XXXXXXX XXXX. O2 is good in the blood, blood pressure low. Headache for 36 hours. Rx -- Meclazine (sp?).

Rapid climb on Mt. Hood to 9000 ft. on Wednesday, in Hood River yesterday
No confusion
Vomited this morning, dizzy
Aleve did not relieve the pain in his head overnight.
No blurry vision.

He will be 3 weeks in XXXXXXX CO, roughly the same altitude as Mt. Hood. Do we need to cancel?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Altitude sickness

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

Your son is suffering from altitude sickness and the best treatment for it would be to go back down the mountain.Here is what you should do

1. Give him plenty of water to drink
2. Complete bed rest
3. Tab acetaminophen will reduce the headache.
4. Tab Diamox is the drug of choice for altitude sickness however this drug is contraindicated when blood pressure is low
5. It is very important that you go down in altitude if the symptoms does not regress.
6. Do you should cancel 3 weeks in XXXXXXX

I hope I was of help, please give me updates on your son.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (6 hours later)

He rested all day today, is due to fly to XXXXXXX with my husband early this morning to start studying at CU-Boulder. Last night he was able to eat a bit, but was still dizzy. I will get the condition of his headache this morning. If it persists, do we need a Cat Scan?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cat scan necessary

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I would want him to get the following things done

1. Cat scan of the brain
2. Complete blood count
3. serum electrolytes

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (7 hours later)

Px has landed in Devner. After taking a Dramamine, his head is better, and he is hungry. He'll have something to eat, and I'll hear more. We are prepared to go through the battery of tests you suggest, but we are inclined to do it in XXXXXXX where they see this kind of thing often, versus MN. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Watch out for confusion and worsening of drowsiness

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I am happy the headache is better, it's a good sign. You can get the tests in XXXXXXX Watch out for confusion and worsening of drowsiness.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E