Podcast #232: HAPE
Jul 30, 2017•6 min
Listen to this episode in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episode description
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
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android