Validation of a Shortened Electronic Version of the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire
Abstract
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a syndrome that is characterized by headache, insomnia, anorexia, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, but without abnormal neurological findings (11, 22). The severity and incidence of AMS is primarily related to the initial altitude, the rate of ascent, the altitude reached, and the duration of exposure to altitude (9, 13, 16, 21, 30). Additional factors that affect the severity and incidence of AMS are the degree of hyperemia (2, 5, 10, 18), level of physical exertion performed (8, 24), individual susceptibility (25, 31), and degree of prior altitude acclimatization (12, 15). Symptoms of AMS typically become evident in the first few hours of altitude exposure and reach peak severity in 24 to 48 h (22). The chief significance of AMS is that people rapidly exposed to altitude may be completely incapacitated in the first few days at altitude (22). Additionally, in a few individuals, AMS may progress to life-threatening high-altitude cerebral edema or high-altitude pulmonary edema, where evacuation is required.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA459898
Entities
People
- Allen Cymerman
- Beth A. Beidleman
- Charles S. Fulco
- Paul B. Rock
- Stephen R. Muza
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine