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

Evaluation

Expected SpO₂ and PaO₂ levels at altitude[1]

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

Phlebotomy
Relocation to lower altitude
Home O2 use

See Also

High Altitude Medicine

References

Gallagher, MD, Scott A.; Hackett, MD, Peter (August 28, 2018). "High altitude pulmonary edema". UpToDate. Retrieved May 2, 2019.

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