High altitude pharyngitis and bronchitis: Difference between revisions
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==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
*Dry, hacking [[cough]] is common at >8000ft | *Dry, hacking [[cough]] is common at > 8000ft (~2500m) | ||
*Purulent [[bronchitis]]/painful [[pharyngitis]] common with prolonged periods at extreme altitude | *Purulent [[bronchitis]]/painful [[pharyngitis]] common with prolonged periods at extreme altitude | ||
*Severe coughing spasms can result in cough [[rib fracture|fracture of ribs]] | *Severe coughing spasms can result in cough [[rib fracture|fracture of ribs]] | ||
*May be confused with [[HAPE]] | |||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
Revision as of 00:27, 23 May 2021
Background
- One of the most common conditions at high altitude[1]
- Possibly due to hyperventilation of altitude, dry & cold air of altitude
Clinical Features
- Dry, hacking cough is common at > 8000ft (~2500m)
- Purulent bronchitis/painful pharyngitis common with prolonged periods at extreme altitude
- Severe coughing spasms can result in cough fracture of ribs
- May be confused with HAPE
Differential Diagnosis
High Altitude Illnesses
- Acute mountain sickness
- Chronic mountain sickness
- High altitude cerebral edema
- High altitude pulmonary edema
- High altitude peripheral edema
- High altitude retinopathy
- High altitude pharyngitis and bronchitis
- Ultraviolet keratitis
Evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis after exclusion of other etiologies (e.g. infection)
Expected SpO2 and PaO2 levels at altitude[2]
| Altitude | SpO2 | PaO2 (mm Hg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 to 3,500 m (4,900 to 11,500 ft) | about 90% | 55-75 |
| 3,500 to 5,500 m (11,500 to 18,000 ft) | 75-85% | 40-60 |
| 5,500 to 8,850 m (18,000 to 29,000 ft) | 58-75% | 28-40 |
Management
- Albuterol
- Breathing steam, sucking on hard candies, forcing hydration
- Antibiotics are NOT helpful