What is the best medication to treat high altitude pulmonary edema?

What is the best medication to treat high altitude pulmonary edema?

Some climbers take prescription medications such as acetazolamide or nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia) to help treat or prevent symptoms of HAPE . To prevent HAPE , medication is started at least one day before ascent.

Should I take Diamox to prevent altitude sickness?

Acetazolamide, or Diamox, is the standard medical prophylaxis agent for high altitude illness. The medication is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

When should I take Diamox for altitude sickness?

Take one 125 mg tablet twice a day. Begin this medicine 24 hours before arriving at high altitude and continue for 48 hours while at high altitude. You may continue taking Diamox up to 48 hours longer if your symptoms indicate the need for additional pills.

What is the most definitive treatment for HAPE and HACE?

Evacuation to a lower altitude is the definitive treatment for HAPE. Descent goal is at least 1,000 ft but may require further descent until symptoms resolve.

How do I stop HAPE and HACE?

Preventing altitude sickness

1. avoid flying directly to areas of high altitude, if possible.
2. take 2 to 3 days to get used to high altitudes before going above 2,500m.
3. avoid climbing more than 300m to 500m a day.
4. have a rest day every 600m to 900m you go up, or rest every 3 to 4 days.
5. make sure you’re drinking enough water.

What is the prognosis of HAPE if a patient is not treated quickly?

Coma and death can occur if HAPE is not treated quickly. HAPE can happen in someone who also has AMS or HACE, or they may have no obvious symptoms of these other problems.

What medications help with altitude sickness?

A doctor can give you acetazolamide (Diamox). This speeds up how fast your body gets used to the higher altitude. Nifedipine (Procardia) and dexamethasone are also used for altitude sickness. You may also be able to use oxygen or a specially designed pressure chamber to treat altitude sickness.

What is high altitude pulmonary edema?

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a fatal form of severe high-altitude illness. HAPE is a form of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema that occurs secondary to hypoxia. It is a clinical diagnosis characterized by fatigue, dyspnea, and dry cough with exertion.

How is hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction treated at high altitude?

Treatment of HAPE consists of immediate improvement of oxygenation either by supplemental oxygen, hyperbaric treatment, or by rapid descent. Keywords: High altitude, high altitude pulmonary edema, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction INTRODUCTION Sojourns to high altitude are common for adventure and recreational purposes.

Who is at risk of high-altitude illness?

Anyone who travels to high altitude, whether a recreational hiker, skier, mountain climber, soldier, or worker, is at risk of developing high-altitude illness. It seems to us that you have your JavaScript disabled on your browser.

Do you need chemoprophylaxis for high altitude flights?

Some common destinations (such as the ones mentioned above) require rapid ascent by airplane to >3,400 meters, placing travelers in the high-risk category ( Table 3-04 ). Chemoprophylaxis may be necessary for these travelers, in addition to 2–4 days of acclimatization before going higher.