Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, and High Altitude Cerebral Edema: A view from the High Andes

Abstract

Background: Travelling to high altitude for entertainment or work is sometimes associated with acute high altitude pathologies. In the past, scientific literature from the lowlanders' point of view was mostly based on mountain climbing. Nowadays, descent is not mandatory in populated highland cities.

Methods: We present how to diagnose and treat acute high altitude pathologies (hypobaric hypoxic diseases) based on 50 years of experience in both: high altitude physiology research and medical practice as clinicians, in La Paz, Bolivia (3,600 m; 11,811 ft), at the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI - IPPA).

Results: Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, and High Altitude Cerebral Edema are medical conditions faced by some travelers. These can occasionally present after flights to high altitude cities, both in lowlanders or in high altitude residents during re-entry, having spent more than 20 days at sea level.

Conclusions: Traveling to high altitude should not be feared as it has many benefits; Acute high altitude ascent diseases can be adequately diagnosed and treated without descent.

Keywords: Children at high altitude; Chronic hypobaric hypoxia; High altitude illnesses; High altitude physiology; Mountain climbing; Physiologic adaptation.