High altitude7/9/2023 Something about this vasodilation causes the headache. Current thinking is that hypoxia (low oxygen) in the air and blood causes the blood vessels of the brain to dilate in an attempt to get more oxygen. Of course, AMS is due to low oxygen, but the steps between low oxygen and AMS are fuzzy. We have to admit that the exact cause of AMS is still not clear. Therefore, a person who has been doing well at altitude and then gets sick after two or three days needs to be evaluated for other conditions. Symptoms of AMS do NOT develop after 2 days of feeling well, unless one has moved to a higher altitude. Symptoms can occur as early as 2 hours after arrival to altitude, or be delayed for 24 hours or so. To meet the definition of AMS, other symptoms need to develop, such as loss of appetite, sometimes vomiting, weakness, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. AMS feels exactly like a bad hangover. One survey done at a Colorado ski resort at 9800 ft found that 60% of visitors developed a headache, the first sign of AMS, and also called high altitude headache. Most folks visiting these areas travel in one day from low to high altitude if an intermediate day is spent in Denver or a similar altitude, the incidence of AMS is much lower. In Colorado, between 15 and 40% of visitors sleeping at 8000 ft or higher get AMS, with the incidence the highest at the highest resorts. If bleeding has not stopped and you have left the clinic, seek emergency treatment.AMS can afflict any visitor sleeping higher than 6000 feet. If bleeding has not stopped and you are still in the clinic, return to Pulmonary Physiology Services for evaluation by a Pulmonary Physiology Services supervisor. If you see any bleeding from the site or a lump forming under the skin, apply firm pressure for 10 minutes. Remove the bandage and check the site for signs of bleeding. No heavy lifting for the rest of the day. Post-test care instructions of arterial catheter site If you have questions please call the Pulmonary Physiology Unit at 303.398.1530. PPS is located on the 3 rd floor of the May building. On the day of your scheduled test, report to room A310a in the Pulmonary Physiology Service (PPS). The HAST test often takes 2 hours to complete, although sometimes people stay longer. How long will the High Altitude Simulation Test take? Based on these results you may breathe into a mask for another 20 minutes while inhaling oxygen through a nasal cannula. Once these monitors are in place, you will breath into a mask for about 20 minutes while we measure your oxygen level. You may also have an arterial line placed in your wrist to measure your oxygen level during the test. Your oxygen level will be monitored with a pulse oximeter on your finger. You will do some spirometry breathing tests. If you have questions during the tests, please ask the technician. The technician will explain what you need to do during each test. How do you get ready for the High Altitude Simulation Test? This test will help your doctor determine the best treatment for you. Aspen, etc.) if ordered by your health care provider. This is not a barometric chamber but rather simulating various altitudes. The standard order is for a simulated altitude of 8,000 feet, which is the same atmospheric pressure as the cabin of a commercial airplane. A High Altitude Simulation Test (HAST) is a test to determine if you need supplemental oxygen when you fly on an airplane or go to a higher altitude. Your doctor has suggested you have a High Altitude Simulation Test as part of the evaluation at National Jewish Health.
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