Chronic mountain sickness

Background

• Excessive polycythemia for a given altitude (Hgb >20)
• Occurs in patients living at high-altitude who have COPD, sleep apnea or impaired respiratory drive

Clinical Features

• Headache
• Difficulty thinking
• Impaired peripheral circulation
• Drowsiness

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

Management

• Phlebotomy
• Relocation to lower altitude
• Home O2 use

See Also

• High Altitude Medicine