High Altitude Pulmonary Edema at Moderate Altitude: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

Authors: Stirpe E*, Bardaro F, Dongilli R, Baumgartl UJ and Bonazza L

DOI: 10.23880/oajprs-16000134

Volume 6, Issue 1

Abstract

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a form of pulmonary edema following a rapid exposure to high altitudes over 2,500 meters (m). HAPE is essentially due to a persistent imbalance between the forces that drive water into the airspace and the biologic mechanisms for its removal. As pulmonary edema progresses, cough becomes aggravated and breathlessness is felt even at rest. Acute respiratory failure and gurgling sounds from the chest indicate advanced cases. The most effective and reliable treatment is immediate descent and/or adequate flow supplemental oxygen to maintain arterial saturation above 90%, accompanied by rest from strenuous physical activity. This pathological condition ca be extremely dangerous and, some cases, fatal. In presence of predisposing factors, HAPE can also occur at moderate altitudes. We based our work on two cases which we observed in our Unit.

Keywords: High-altitude pulmonary edema; Acute respiratory failure; High altitude; Acute mountain sickness

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