Clinic business picking up
Apr 26, 2007 09: 27 EST
Today has been our busiest clinic day so far. Our first patient was a climbing Sherpa who climbed to Camp 2 without proper eye protection. At high altitude the thinner ozone layer means the intensity of the sun is far greater than at sea level. This in combination with the reflection off the snow can produce a condition known as ultraviolet keratitis, or snow blindness, which is an extremely painful condition that is commonly seen, but easily preventable. Cheap fashion sunglasses are inadequate protection here and proper glacier glasses should be worn by everyone working and climbing above the snowline. Today we have treated our patient with a combination of topical dilators, antibiotics, and painkillers, and he can expect to be out of action for at least the next 24 hours.
Following this we had two sick patients who both required in-patient treatment. Our first was a young, fit, westerner with a severe pneumonia, and probable secondary HAPE. He has improved throughout the day on a combination of oxygen, IV antibiotics, and Sildenafil, and if well enough will walk down tomorrow. The second patient was suffering from a severe GI upset. He has responded well to IV fluid resuscitation, and with the help of anti-nausea medication has managed to hold down food this afternoon. He has returned to the comfort of his own camp, and we will see him tomorrow morning to check his condition continues to improve.
Photo of patient with snow blindness.
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