High-altitude medicine

ZONE OF KNOWLEDGE

People with COPD may be hypoxemic even at sea level, so they experience problems with hypoxia at high altitude more quickly than healthy individuals.

PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Before the expedition, it is advisable to consult a doctor to assess the risks associated with staying at high altitude.

People with COPD often have elevated levels of carbon dioxide in their blood (hypercapnia), which disrupts the functioning of the arterial chemoreceptors and reduces the effectiveness of the ventilatory response to hypoxia. At high altitude, this can further exacerbate hypoxia.

ADDITIONAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE RISK OF HYPOXIA IN PEOPLE WITH COPD:

➤ Breathing cold air – causes constriction of the pulmonary vessels.

➤ Smoking – increases the level of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, limiting oxygen transport.

HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT MAY OCCUR IN COPD PATIENTS AT HIGH ALTITUDE INCLUDE:

➤ severe hypoxia,

➤ pulmonary hypertension,

➤ ventilation control disorders,

➤ sleep disturbances,

➤ weakness of respiratory muscle function.

RULES FOR TRAVELING AT HIGH ALTITUDE

➤ People with mild or moderate COPD can travel to low altitudes (up to 2000 m above sea level).

➤ Medical assessment should be individualized.

➤ It is advisable to ascend slowly and stay well-hydrated to make bronchial secretions thinner and easier to expectorate.

➤ Exhausting exertion at high altitude is absolutely contraindicated.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

➤ Staying at high altitude is contraindicated for people with severe COPD.

➤ Individuals who experience shortness of breath at sea level even at rest or after light exertion should also avoid high altitudes.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Travel at High Altitude –www.medex.org.uk

• K. Mieske et al., Journeys to High Altitude—Risks and Recommendations for Travelers with Preexisting Medical Conditions, Journal of Travel Medicine, 2010; 17(1): 48–62

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DO YOU WANT TO LEARNMORE?

If you want to better prepare yourself health-wise for trekking or a high-altitude expedition, you can find an extended version of the guide in the ebook"High Altitude Medicine in Practice – A Guide for Trekking and Expeditions" >>

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You can also learn practical knowledge about emergency procedures in the mountains in the online training"High Altitude First Aid" >> - designed for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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Detailed contents of the expedition first aid kit and precise instructions for preparing an expedition first aid kit and personal rescue set can be found in the ebook"Expedition First Aid Kit – A Complete Medical Guide" >>

ARE YOU PLANNING A TREKOR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you want to check whether your health condition allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, it is advisable to take advantage ofa medical consultation >> ora telemedicine expedition package >>

This way, you can assess health risks in advance, properly prepare for the trip, and increase safety while at high altitude.

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

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