It is the cough that appears when climbing high mountains. It usually appears above 4500-5000 m.
Its origin is thought to be multifactorial: due to the cold, dry air of the mountain going in through the mouth (caused by the frequent nasal congestion and effort required when moving at a high altitude), as well as an inflammation of the lungs (subclinical pulmonary oedema).
It manifests as a dry cough without expectoration. When the nasal mucosa dries out, it increases the likelihood of both nosebleeds and bacterial superinfection.
It is diagnosed by the occurrence of cough coinciding with climbing in high altitudes.
It is characterised by its resistance to antitussives. To prevent it, we recommend drinking fluids and taking cough drops, as well as applying menthol creams or saline mixed with glycerine in the nostrils to keep them moist and prevent the onset of coughing. If it does occur, sucking on honey and lemon candy often provides relief.
It is not usually a life-threatening emergency for which it is necessary to descend.
- Nicholas P. Mason. Altitude-related cough. Cough 9.1. 2013. 1.
- P. W. Barry, N. P.Mason, M. Riordan, C. O'Callaghan. Cough frequency and cough-receptor sensitivity are increased in man at altitude. Clinical Science, 93(2), 1997. 181:186.
