Diagnostic criteria for acute altitude illnesses were defined at an international symposium held at Lake Louise in Canada.
Altitude syndromes considered:
(1) acute mountain sickness
(2) high altitude cerebral edema: considered severe or "end stage" acute mountain sickness
(3) high altitude pulmonary edema
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
(1) setting of recent gain in altitude, AND
(2) presence of headache, AND
(3) at least 1 of the following symptoms:
(3a) gastrointestinal (anorexia, nausea, or vomiting)
(3b) fatigue or weakness
(3c) dizziness or lightheadedness
(3d) difficulty sleeping
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE):
(1) setting of recent gain in altitude, AND
(2) one of the following:
(2a) meet criteria for AMS (above) AND change in mental status AND/OR ataxia
(2b) does not meet criteria for AMS AND change in mental status AND ataxia
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE):
(1) setting of recent gain in altitude, AND
(2) at least 2 of the following symptoms, AND
(2a) dyspnea at rest
(2b) cough
(2c) weakness or decreased exercise performance
(2d) chest tightness or congestion
(3) at least 2 of the following signs:
(3a) rales or wheezing in at least 1 lung field
(3b) central cyanosis
(3c) tachypnea
(3d) tachycardia
Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Pulmonology, Neurology