High-altitude Pulmonary Edema: Review

Abstract

Objective: At High altitude (HA) (elevation >2,500 m), hypobaric hypoxia may lead to the development of symptoms associated with low oxygen pressure in many sojourners. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a potentially fatal condition, occurring at altitudes greater than 3,000 m and affecting rapidly ascending, non-acclimatized healthy individuals. It is a multifactorial disease involving both environmental and genetic risk factors. Since thousands of lowlanders travel to high altitude areas for various reasons every year, we thought it would be interesting to review pathological aspects related to hypobaric hypoxia, particularly HAPE. Method: Since the pathogenesis of HAPE is still a subject of study, we systematically identified and categorized a broad range of facets of HAPE such as its incidence, symptoms, physiological effects, pathophysiology including physiological and genetic factors, prevention and treatment. Results: This review focuses on HA-related health problems in general with special reference to HAPE, which is one of the primary causes of deaths at extreme altitudes. Hence, it is extremely important, as it summarizes the literature in this area and provides an overview of this severe HA malady for evaluation of physiological, biochemical and genetic responses during early induction and acclimatization to HA. This article could be of broad scientific interest for researchers working in the field of high altitude medicine.(J Occup Health 2014; 56: 235-243)