High Altitude Medicine
High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)
High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening form of non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema that occurs in otherwise healthy mountaineers at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,202 ft). Some cases have however been reported also at lower altitudes (between 1500 and 2500 m in highly vulnerable subjects), although what makes some people susceptible to HAPE is not currently known.
HAPE remains the major cause of death related to high altitude exposure with a high mortality in absence of emergency treatment.
The main signs of HAPE:
- Troublof e breathing.
- Tired & weary.
- Coughing.
- Froth and later blood in spit.
- Lips, tongue, nails become blue.
- HAPE can develop in 1-2 hours or over several days and even when descending.
What to do for a HAPE Victim:
- Stay with the person at all times - do not leave them on their own.
- Descend now - not later or in the morning.
- Sit upright and keep warm.
- Give oxygen via cylinder or pressure bag if you have it.
- Give nifedipine if you have it.
- Give acetazolomide if you have it.
- If really unable to descend - prolonged use of a pressure bag may be needed.
Consequence if ignored:
- Breathing stops.
- DEATH. In serious cases death can occur within as little as an hour of symptoms being noticed.
- Remember it is possible to have AMS, HACE and HAPE at the same time.
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- Introduction
- Pre-Existing Conditions
- Acclimitization
- Effects of Altitude
- Accute Mountain Sickness
- Cereberal Oedema (HACE)
- Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)