[pct-l] Asthma at altitude

[Melanie Clarke]

Dear Asthma patients,

I know that nausea and acid reflux are also triggers of an asthma attack.  I
watched a minor in the juvenile detention facility where I work deteriorate
very quickly after he complained of nausea.  His inhaler did not seem to
have any effect.  We did not have a nurse on the facility at the time so I
put him on a video conference with a nurse downtown who told me to arrange a
transport.  While I was arranging a transport the minor collapsed and I had
to call 911.  He is fine now but the point is, nausea is one symptom of high
altitude sickness so please discuss this issue with your doctor.  Take along
Tums or what ever remedies that would help.

Melanie

On Fri, Jan 21, 2011 at 9:28 AM, Ellen Shopes <igellenig at gmail.com> wrote:

> The lower oxygen levels in the lungs triggers vasoconstriction.  This
> constriction can result in pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary edema.  In
> this setting, some bronchoconstriction could occur.
> Most likely you will adapt without problems.  I'm sure you plan to bring an
> inhaler.  You may want to discuss it with your pulmonologist, see if he/she
> would want to add a rescue inhaler.
> Diamox wouldn't help with this.  You may try sleeping with a bit of a prop
> to elevate your head, particularly if cold is a trigger for you.
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