About this episode
Author: Gretchen Hinson, M.D. Educational Pearls High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is caused when hypoxemia due to low ambient pO2 leads to breakdown and constriction of the pulmonary vasculature leading to edema. HAPE is very rare under 8000 ft, but common over 10000 ft (6%). Over 18,000 ft the incidence is very high (12-15%). Symptoms include dyspnea, cough, weakness and chest tightness. Signs include hypoxemia, crackles, wheezing, central cyanosis, tachypnea and tachycardia. Drugs that reduce pulmonary resistance have been shown to help, but increased oxygenation and descent are the best treatments. References: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/300716-overview