Effects of High Altitude on Sleep and Respiratory System

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to discuss the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis treatment of sleep apnea at high altitude as well and acute altitude illnesses. Differences in adaptive responses of different native highlander populations are leading to interesting new insights into high-altitude physiology. Periodic breathing at altitude is a physiologic response to hypobaric oxygen and patients with obstructive sleep apnea have transition of respiratory events from obstructive to central at altitude. Acetazolamide is first-line therapy for periodic breathing at altitude. Other acute altitude illnesses are best treated with descent to a lower altitude.