![High altitude trekking](https://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HAPE-trekking-scaled-e1639673451463.jpg)
High Altitude Pulmonary edema is also known as HAPE, is a very dangerous medical condition that can be fatal if not spotted early enough. Though it becomes much less fatal if one can spot the symptoms early and get the proper treatment. HAPE usually occurs when those who live in lower altitudes ascend to altitudes above 8,000 ft. To put that in perspective, most of Coloradoโs ski resorts base sits at an elevation between 8,000 and 10,000 ft. ย
HAPEย happens fromย the lower air pressureย and lack of oxygenย at those higher altitudes. The lack of air pressure and oxygen causes ourย lungs to start filling with fluid. It can affectย anyoneย but there are certainย factors that make someย moreย susceptible, those include:ย
- Menย ย
- Genetic factorsย
- Ascent rateย
- The intensity of physical exertion ย
- Peak altitudeย
- Previous history of HAPEย
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![Normal lung vs lung with HAPE](https://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/How-to-Treat-Pulmonary-Edema-at-Home.jpg)
Normal lung and lung affected with HAPE credit: hunterdonpulmonaryandsleep.comย
One should not let the fear of getting HAPE keep them from having a great time out in the mountains. Though there is no direct diagnosis yet, there are symptoms that one should keep an eye out for while ascending the mountain or going into higher altitudes. Here are a few of the symptoms to keep an eye on:ย
- Weaknessย or decreased exercise performanceย
- Shortness of breath while restingย
- Chest tightness or congestionย
- Crackles or wheezing while breathingย
- Rapid breathing and/orย rapid heart rateย
- Bluing of the skinย
If you start to feel or show any of these symptoms and they donโt feel like theyโre resolving, the first thing to do is to descend to a lower altitude as quickly as one can. Make sure to stay hydrated and if needed you may need supplemental oxygen and seek medical attention. It is said the best distance to descend is 1,640 feet to 3,281 feet depending on the current altitude and severity of the symptoms. Most of the symptoms will start to dissipate after a few hours, however, some symptoms may linger for a few days.ย ย
HAPE is a condition not a lot of people know about it,ย so it is good to have knowledge of this before heading up the mountains.ย Oneย wayย youย can avoid HAPE is by lettingย yourย body properly adjust to the altitude, by making a slow ascent upย the mountain.ย ย
ย If one is worried or possesses any of the factors that make them more susceptible, it may be a good idea to pack a supplemental can of oxygen (which can usually be found in most outdoor shops and shops around the mountain).ย ย