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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Travelling In High Altitude. Experiencing Chest Flushing, Breathing Difficulty, High Pulse Rate. Altitude Induced Sickness?

I am traveling in Bogota, Colombia, at 2,800 meters. I am generally a healthy 47 year-old woman. Two days ago, I began seeing chest flushing, which has spread all over my chest. I have some tightness of breathing and increased pulse rate, which I know as altitude-induced from earlier trips. Is the flushing also likely from the altitude?
posted on Sat, 23 Feb 2013
Twitter Wed, 20 Mar 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 21 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello Ms tas17,

By "Chest flushing", do you mean that the skin over the chest region is warm, and uncomfortably swollen?

Your symptoms of tightness of breathing and raised pulse are more medically significant, as you are re-inducted to high altitude. All forms of "mountain sickness" are more common among those who get exposed to high altitude a second time. Please don't disregard them. If you are breathing hard, even while you are resting, please get supplemental oxygen, medical help and come down to lower altitudes at the earliest.

Skin involvement is not likely to be a typical effect of high altitude. If you never had the flushing at sea-level ever before, it could be an effect of altitude, not yet recognized.

Hope you enjoy the serenity of Colombian mountains in comfort,

With warm regards
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Travelling In High Altitude. Experiencing Chest Flushing, Breathing Difficulty, High Pulse Rate. Altitude Induced Sickness?

Hello Ms tas17, By Chest flushing , do you mean that the skin over the chest region is warm, and uncomfortably swollen? Your symptoms of tightness of breathing and raised pulse are more medically significant, as you are re-inducted to high altitude. All forms of mountain sickness are more common among those who get exposed to high altitude a second time. Please don t disregard them. If you are breathing hard, even while you are resting, please get supplemental oxygen, medical help and come down to lower altitudes at the earliest. Skin involvement is not likely to be a typical effect of high altitude. If you never had the flushing at sea-level ever before, it could be an effect of altitude, not yet recognized. Hope you enjoy the serenity of Colombian mountains in comfort, With warm regards