Diagnostic analysis of occupational acute high altitude disease
10.20001/j.issn.2095-2619.20251212
- VernacularTitle:职业性急性高原病诊断分析
- Author:
Lin XU
1
;
Weihui LIANG
;
Xiaoyi LI
;
Li HUANG
Author Information
1. Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510300, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Occupational high altitude disease;
Acute cerebral edema;
Acute pulmonary edema;
Hearing loss;
Diagnosis;
Treatment
- From:
China Occupational Medicine
2025;52(6):669-671
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To analyze occupational exposure histories and clinical manifestations in three cases of occupational high altitude disease, and to identify key diagnostic points and prevention and treatment strategies. Methods The basic information, clinical characteristics, and occupational hazard exposure history of three patients with occupational high altitude disease were conducted using the retrospective analysis. Results The reason of these three pariticipants who visited high-altitude areas was work requirements. Case 1 experienced recurrent symptoms of altitude reactions during the prodromal stage and was clinically diagnosed with "high altitude sickness and cerebral edema". During transportation to a lower-altitude area, the patient passed through an area with a higher altitude (4 700 m), resulting in deterioration of the condition. Case 2 developed an upper respiratory tract infection and subsequently engaged in aerobic exercise, which aggravated the condition, eading to coughing up pink frothy sputum, followed by cerebral edema and bilateral pulmonary edema. Both cases developed acute cerebral edema and/or acute pulmonary edema due to severe hypobaric hypoxia and were diagnosed with occupational acute high altitude disease according to the GBZ 92-2008 Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational High Altitude Disease. Case 3 mainly presented with hearing loss, without clinical manifestations of high-altitude pulmonary edema or high-altitude cerebral edema, and thus could not be diagnosed with occupational acute high altitude disease. ConclusionThe key diagnostic criteria for occupational acute high altitude disease include a recent occupational history of working in high altitude environments and the presence of clinical manifestations of high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema, with exclusion of other diseases presenting with similar symptoms. Preventive measures should be taken before workers enter high-altitude areas. Early symptoms of occupational high altitude disease are easily overlooked, so it is crucial to remain vigilant for warning signs and provide timely treatment.
