High-Altitude Medical

HANDBOOK

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is the second leading cause of death in high mountains, after trauma.

HAPE occurs much less frequently than Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is more common in climbers who, instead of following a calm acclimatization schedule, push their bodies with excessive effort—for example carrying 30 kg packs during the first days at altitude. When the body is already stressed by low oxygen, adding more physical strain can be dangerous.

SYMPTOMS

HAPE is primarily marked by:

➤ A sudden drop in exercise tolerance

➤ Difficulty breathing and rapid breathing

➤ Shortness of breath even at rest

➤ Wet cough with pink, frothy sputum

➤ Sensation of fluid or bubbling in the lungs

➤ Bluish lips, tongue, and nails

➤ Apathy, lack of motivation, and fear for one’s life

HOW TO CHECK FOR HAPE

Observe your climbing partner:

➤ Cannot calm breathing after physical exertion

➤ Shows shortness of breath at rest

➤ Breathes faster than others

➤ Audible bubbling sounds in the lungs (place your ear on their back below the shoulder blades)

If any of these symptoms appear, suspect HAPE.

DEVELOPMENT AND URGENCY

HAPE can develop over few days, but sometimes 1–2 hours are enough for severe breathing difficulties. A person with HAPE usually prefers sitting to lying down, as this makes breathing easier.

There is no time for hesitation—treatment must start immediately and descent to lower altitude should begin as soon as possible. Untreated HAPE can result in respiratory failure and death.

Descending 300–1,000 m can improve the patient’s condition. If descent is impossible, administer available treatments:

➤ Oxygen

➤ Portable hyperbaric bag

➤ Medication from the high-altitude “golden triad”: Nifedipine (Cordipin Retard) or Sildenafil

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT HAPE

➤ Stay with the patient—do not leave them alone

➤ Organize descent of about 1,000 m as soon as possible

➤ Keep the patient sitting upright

➤ Ensure the patient stays warm

➤ Provide oxygen or use a portable hyperbaric bag, if available

➤ Give Nifedipine 30 mg every 12 hours or Sildenafil 50 mg every 8 hours if descent and oxygen are not possible

➤ If descent is impossible, continue therapy.

USING A PORTABLE HYPERBARIC BAG

A portable hyperbaric bag buys critical time to organize a proper rescue and survive until descent is possible. Using it is simple:

➤ Place the patient inside the bag

➤ Zip it closed

➤ Pump the bag using a foot or hand pump, continuously replacing “used air”

➤ The bag increases internal pressure, simulating a virtual descent of 1,500–2,000 m for the patient

-------

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you want to better prepare your health for trekking or a high-altitude expeditions, check out the expanded guide in the ebook "High-Altitude Medicine for Trekkers and Climbers" >>

-----

Gain practical skills for handling emergencies in the mountains through our online training "High-Altitude First Aid" >> - prepared for those planning trips to high altitudes.

-----

 For a detailed list of what to include in your expedition medical kit and step-by-step instructions for assembling your personal first aid set, see the ebook "High-Altitude Expedition Medical Kit Guide" >>

PLANNING A TREK OR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you would like to check whether your health condition allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, consider booking a medical consultation >> or using a telemedical expedition package >>

This allows you to assess potential health risks in advance, prepare properly fot altitude, and increase your safety during the expedition.

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.

All rights reserved. Copying content and photos is prohibited. Information obligation before consenting to data processing.(see).

Also checkStore regulations >> Implementation: ColinMedia.eu >>