High altitude cerebral edema (or HACE) is a severe (frequently fatal) form of altitude sickness. HACE is the result of swelling of brain tissue from fluid leakage. Symptoms can include headache, loss of coordination (ataxia), weakness, and decreasing levels of consciousness including disorientation, loss of memory, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, and coma. It generally occurs after a week or more at high altitude. Severe instances can lead to death if not treated quickly. Immediate descent is a necessary life-saving measure (2,000 - 4,000 feet). There are some medications (e.g. dexamethasone) that may be prescribed for treatment in the field, but these require proper medical training in their use. Anyone suffering from HACE must be evacuated to a medical facility for proper follow-up treatment. A gamow bag can sometimes be used to stabilize the sufferer before transport or descending. The following codes are used with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) or altitude illness is a pathological condition that is caused by lack of adaptation to high altitudes. ... High altitude are regions on the Earths surface (or in its atmosphere) that are high above mean sea level. ... Dexamethasone is a synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of hormones. ... A gamow bag is an inflatable pressure bag that is large enough to fit a person inside. ...

Climbers may also suffer high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which affects the lungs. While not nearly as life threatening as HACE in the initial stages, failure to descend to lower altitudes or receive medical treatment can also lead to death. High altitude peripheral edema is less common, but thought by some to be underdiagnosed, often being mistaken for trench foot. Pulmonary edema is swelling and/or fluid accumulation in the lungs. ... The lungs flank the heart and great vessels in the chest cavity. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Chilblain. ...