Altitude Physiology
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Contents |
Altitude Illness
Educational Goals
Students should understand how altitude affects humans. They should be able to describe the basic physiology of acclimatization and list techniques which aid in the process. They should recognize the signs and symptoms of altitude illness and know how to treat acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema, and high altitude cerebral edema.
Key Points
• How do you acclimatize to altitude?
• What are some ways to aid acclimatization?
• What factors affect the severity of altitude illness?
• What are the signs and symptoms of AMS, HAPE, HACE?
• How do you treat AMS, HAPE, HACE?
Teaching Considerations
Often this instruction occurs as a technical lecture. Spice the class up with some stories. Point out cases and examples of acclimatization problems that have occurred on courses in the Uintas. Keep in mind that the students need a practical understanding of this topic, more than a clinical or pharmacological one. The subtle relation between AMS, nutrition, hydration, and staying warm should be well understood before small groups.
