Clinical Features of High Altitude Pharyngitis and Bronchitis

 

Risk factors:

(1) breathing air that is cold and dry (low humidity) for 2 or more weeks

(2) high altitude (> 18,000 feet or > 5,486 meters)

 

Clinical findings:

(1) sore throat

(2) chronic cough

(3) cough spasms

(4) absence of dyspnea at rest

 

Differential diagnosis:

(1) infectious pharyngitis, bronchitis or pneumonia

(2) high altitude pulmonary edema

 

Management:

(1) Maintain hydration.

(2) Use of lozenges, cough medicine and decongestants.

(3) Mouth covering to reduce oral loss of heat and moisture.