High-altitude Pulmonary Edema in Emergency Department: A Review

Abdu Saleh Alwadani,D Almaymuni, Saleh Mohammed,Hisham Mohammed Sonbul,Abdullah Ali Alshehri,Bader Aziz Alharbi,Abdulrazaq Abdulmohsen Alkhalaf,Darin Ahmednoor Alkhars,Fahad Saeed Alshahrani,Afnan Obaid Ahmad Aljefri,Mohammed Ali Allift,Hajer Ali Alkreedees,Alyazeed Ali Alyami,Fahad M Altowairqi

doi:10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i56b33938

Abstract

High altitude pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a severe form of high-altitude disease that, if left untreated, can result in death in up to half of those who are affected. Lowlanders who rapidly go to elevations more than 2500-3000 m are more likely to develop high altitude pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Individual sensitivity owing to a low hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), quick pace of climb, male sex, usage of sleep medicine, high salt consumption, chilly ambient temperature, and intense physical effort are all risk factors. HAPE may be totally and quickly reversed if caught early and correctly treated. Slow climb is the most effective technique of prevention. A fall of at least 1000 meters, is the best and most certain treatment choice in HAPE. Supplemental oxygen, portable hyperbaric chambers, and pulmonary vasodilator medications (nifedipine and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors) may be beneficial. In this article we’ll be looking at the disease etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and management.

Highlights

High altitude pulmonary edoema (HAPE) is a severe form of high-altitude disease that, if left untreated, can result in death in up to half of those who are affected
The onset is comparable among high-altitude dwellers returning home after a stay at a low altitude
At least two of the following symptoms or complaints would be associated with HAPE: chest tightness or discomfort, cough, dyspnea at rest, and impaired activity tolerance

Summary

INTRODUCTION

High altitude pulmonary edoema (HAPE) is a severe form of high-altitude disease that, if left untreated, can result in death in up to half of those who are affected. It is a kind of noncardiogenic pulmonary edoema that arises as a result of hypoxia. Lowlanders who rapidly go to elevations more than 25003000 m are more likely to develop high altitude pulmonary edoema (HAPE). If this isn't practicable and supplementary oxygen isn't accessible, nifedipine should be used until descent is possible Even those who are sensitive to HAPE can prevent illness if they ascend gently, with an average increase of altitude of no more than 300-350 metres per day over 2500 metres [6]

ETIOLOGY

EPIDEMIOLOGY

EVALUATION AND DIAGNOSIS

PREVENTION

MANAGEMENT

CONCLUSION