High altitude pharyngitis and bronchitis

Background

Clinical Features

Dry, hacking cough is common at >8000ft
Purulent bronchitis/painful pharyngitis common with prolonged periods at extreme altitude
Severe coughing spasms can result in cough fracture of ribs

Differential Diagnosis

High Altitude Illnesses

Evaluation

Clinical diagnosis after exclusion of other etiologies (e.g. infection)

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

Albuterol
Breathing steam, sucking on hard candies, forcing hydration
Antibiotics are NOT helpful

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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