It occurs due to the presence of clots that impede normal blood circulation in the pulmonary arteries, the affected lung tissue doesn’t work and the blood does not receive oxygen from the lungs.
This causes a range of diseases or particular situations (such as absolute rest) that make the person more prone to having blood clots in their blood vessels.
Clinical manifestations of it are shortness of breath, rapid breathing, headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness that can result in heart problems, putting the individual’s life in danger.
Diagnosis is made on the basis of a complete medical history and physical examination. It can only be confirmed by complementary tests such as a CT-scan or scintigraphy.
For treatment, it is essential to descend to a lower altitude and go to a hospital for the administration of oxygen at high concentrations, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. If there is a massive clot compromising the general circulation and/or severe respiratory failure, intravenous thrombolysis is the indicated treatment.
- Scott A Gallagher, MD. Peter Hackett, MD. Jonathan M Rosen, MD. High altitude illness: Physiology, risk factors, and general prevention. UpToDate, Apr 15, 2015.
- West JB, American College of Physicians, American Physiological Society. The physiologic basis of high-altitude diseases. Ann Intern Med 2004; 141:789.
- Schoene RB. Illnesses at high altitude. Chest 2008; 134:402.
- Scherrer U, Allemann Y, Rexhaj E, et al. Mechanisms and drug therapy of pulmonary hypertension at high altitude. High Alt Med Biol 2013; 14:126.
- http://www.altitudemedicine.org/altitude-and-pre-existing-conditions
