High Altitude Cerebral Edema
High Altitude Cerebral Edema Causes
The sickness is normally caused by the insufficient oxygen at high altitudes. In places above 10,000 ft., oxygen can no longer be inhaled normally by the human body, thus the blood couldn't deliver sufficient oxygen to the organs in need, particularly the brain.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema Definition
High altitude cerebral edema, also known as ?altitude sickness of mountaineers?, is a medical condition experienced when traveling to high altitudes. Because of the lack of oxygen in high elevations, some people experience hypoxia, extreme headache and weakness.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema Diagnosis
The sickness can be diagnosed via the symptoms one exhibits during his travel to higher altitudes.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema Symptoms and Signs
Among the symptoms of high altitude cerebral edema are dizziness, a light feeling towards high altitudes, palpitations, shortness of breath and hypoxia, the inability of a person to inhale oxygen via the normal respiration process.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema Treatment
When one experiences signs of the sickness while traveling, the immediate response is to descend to lower altitudes for him to grasp enough oxygen. Headache medications should also be administered, but if the patient doesn't respond to these, it is best to bring him to the hospital for proper medical care.