
Treatments for high-altitude pulmonary edema ( HAPE) also include:
- Immediately descending to a lower elevation. If you're climbing or traveling at high altitudes and have mild symptoms of HAPE, descend 1,000 to 3,000 feet (about 300 to 1,000 meters) ...
- Stop exercising and stay warm. Physical activity and cold can make pulmonary edema worse.
- Medication. ...
What medications are used to treat Hape?
In addition to oxygen and descending to a lower elevation, the medication nifedipine may help reduce pressure in the pulmonary arteries and improve your condition. Some climbers take prescription medications such as acetazolamide or nifedipine (Procardia) to help treat or prevent symptoms of HAPE.
How do you use Hape’?
HOW DOES ONE USE HAPÈ? Hape’ is either administered by another person, usually a Shaman, Medicine Carrier, or Apprentice, or by the individual themselves. When applied by another, a Tepi (A long curved pipe) is used to forcefully blow the powder into each of the other persons nostrils.
How do susceptible individuals prevent HAPE?
Susceptible individuals can prevent HAPE by slow ascent, average gain of altitude not exceeding 300 m/d above an altitude of 2500 m.
What is the role of nifedipine in the treatment of HAPE?
Nifedipine or other pulmonary vasodilators may be used to treat concurrent HAPE and HACE, but avoid lowering mean arterial pressure, as this may decrease cerebral perfusion pressure and thereby increase the risk for cerebral ischemia. Nifedipine is used for its pulmonary vasodilating effects.

What is the initial treatment for HACE?
Dexamethasone is the medication of choice for the treatment of both AMS and HACE. It helps by decreasing vasogenic edema. NSAIDs in appropriate dosages may be added if the headache is debilitating. If taking dexamethasone for more than ten days, it requires tapering to prevent complications.
What is the primary treatment of high altitude cerebral edema?
Brain edema can be treated with the use of Acetazolamide, it provokes metabolic acidosis, thus increasing respiratory minute volume; Dexamethasone, and/or portable hyperbaric chamber, depending on intensity and severity of symptoms.
What is the best treatment for high altitude pulmonary edema?
Immediate improvement of oxygenation either by supplemental oxygen, hyperbaric treatment, or by rapid descent is the treatment of choice for HAPE.
Does acetazolamide prevent HAPE?
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 acetazolamide?
To prevent altitude sickness, start taking acetazolamide 1 to 2 days before you start to climb. Continue taking it while you are climbing and for at least 48 hours after you have reached your final altitude. You may need to continue taking this medication while staying at the high altitude to control your symptoms.
Is dexamethasone used for altitude sickness?
Conclusions: The review indicates that dexamethasone is an effective prevention and treatment intervention for high-altitude illness. Commonly used dosages of either 2 mg every 6 hours or 4 mg every 12 hours can prevent high-altitude illnesses in adults.
What does dexamethasone do at high altitude?
Dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is effective for preventing and treating AMS and HACE and prevents HAPE as well. Unlike acetazolamide, if the drug is discontinued at elevation before acclimatization, mild rebound can occur.
Does dexamethasone help pulmonary edema?
Both tadalafil and dexamethasone may reduce the incidence of high-altitude pulmonary edema: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2006; 145:497. Bates MG, Thompson AA, Baillie JK. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in the treatment and prevention of high altitude pulmonary edema.
How do you stop HAPE and HACE?
Preventing altitude sicknessavoid flying directly to areas of high altitude, if possible.take 2 to 3 days to get used to high altitudes before going above 2,500m.avoid climbing more than 300m to 500m a day.have a rest day every 600m to 900m you go up, or rest every 3 to 4 days.make sure you're drinking enough water.More items...
What medication is used to treat HAPE?
The CDC recommends the following pharmacologic agents and regimens for HAPE prophylaxis : Oral nifedipine (generally reserved for HAPE-susceptible individuals) - 30 mg sustained-release formulation every 12 hours (same regimen for HAPE treatment) Oral tadalafil - 10 mg twice daily. Oral sildenafil - 50 mg every 8 hours.
How long does it take for acetazolamide to start working?
How long does acetazolamide take to work? The immediate-release pills can work within 1 to 2 hours. The extended-release pills are released more slowly in the body than the immediate-release pills.
Who should not take Diamox?
You should not use Diamox if you are allergic to it, or if you have: severe liver disease, or cirrhosis; severe kidney disease; an electrolyte imbalance (such as acidosis or low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood);
How to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease?
Limit saturated fats and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. Manage your weight. Being even slightly overweight increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, even losing small amounts of weight can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce your risk of diabetes. Get regular exercise.
How to remember an appointment?
Ask a family member or friend to come along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all of the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
How to control high blood pressure?
Keep blood pressure under control. If you have high blood pressure, take your medications as prescribed and check your blood pressure regularly. Record the results. Ask your doctor for your target blood pressure.
What is the hallmark of HAPE?
The hallmark of HAPE is an excessively elevated pulmonary artery pressure (mean pressure 36-51 mm Hg), caused by an inhomogeneous hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction which leads to an elevated pulmonary capillary pressure and protein content as well as red blood cell-rich edema fluid.
What is the most important determinant of high altitude illness?
We distinguish two forms of high altitude illness, a cerebral form called acute mountain sickness and a pulmonary form called high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Individual susceptibility is the most important determinant for the occurrence of HAPE.
What is the drug used to treat HAPE?
These agents are helpful in the prevention of HAPE. Acetazolamide (Diamox) View full drug information. Acetazolamide is used in the prevention of HAPE. It is not used in the treatment of this condition. Acetazolamide promotes renal excretion of bicarbonate, which stimulates respiration.
What is nifedipine used for?
Nifedipine is used in HAPE for pulmonary vasodilation. It often improves SaO 2 modestly within a few minutes.
Does dexamethasone help with HAPE?
In the setting of concomitant HAPE and HACE, WMS recommends adding dexamet hasone to the treatment regimen for patients with HAPE and neurologic dysfunction that does not resolve rapidly with administration of supplemental oxygen and improvement in the patient’s oxygen saturation. [ 2, 3] If supplemental oxygen is not available, initiate dexamethasone in addition to medications for HAPE in those with mental status changes and/or suspected concurrent HACE. Note the following:
Is acetazolamide used for HAPE?
Acetazolamide is used in the prevention of HAPE. It is not used in the treatment of this condition. Acetazolamide promotes renal excretion of bicarbonate, which stimulates respiration. For the prophylaxis of altitude illness, start 24-48 hours before ascent and continue for 48 hours after arrival at high altitude.
Is dexamethasone prescribed for HACE?
Dexamethasone should be administered at the doses recommended for the treatment of HACE.
Does acetazolamide help with acclimatization?
In general, acetazolamide facilitates acclimatization, but this agent should not be relied on as the sole preventive agent in individuals with known HAPE susceptibility. [ 2, 3]
How many feet of descent can a hyperbaric chamber simulate?
If descent isn’t possible due to weather or other factors, a portable hyperbaric chamber can be used, which can simulate about 5,000 feet of descent. Photo Heather Shannon
What is the temperature after oxygen administration?
His vitals also include a pulse of 115, blood pressure of 155/90 and temp of 36.6 degrees C (97.9 degrees F). He insists on sitting upright. You immediately begin transport to the hospital and start the patient on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The CPAP nearly instantaneously improves his pulse oximetry reading to normal.
What is a Tepi?
When applied by another, a Tepi (A long curved pipe) is used to forcefully blow the powder into each of the other persons nostrils. When self administered it is done with the Kuripe, a small V shaped pipe, which allows the individual to blow the snuff directly into their own nose.
Is hape a medicine?
Apart from knowing what Hape’ is, it’s important to know how to use it correctly. Hape ’ is a very powerful medicine in it’s own right, and although it is used in ceremonies with other sacraments , it should be understood by the one administering it ( including self administration).

Diagnosis
Treatment
- The first treatment for acute pulmonary edema is supplemental oxygen. You usually receive oxygen through a face mask or nasal cannula — a flexible plastic tube with two openings that deliver oxygen to each nostril. This should ease some of your symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your oxygen level closely. Sometimes it may be necessary to assist you...
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Lifestyle changes are an important part of heart health and can help you manage some forms of pulmonary edema. 1. Keep blood pressure under control.If you have high blood pressure, take your medications as prescribed and check your blood pressure regularly. Record the results. Ask your doctor for your target blood pressure. 2. Manage other medical conditions.Address any und…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you have pulmonary edema, you will likely first be seen by an emergency room doctor. If you think you have signs or symptoms of pulmonary edema, call 911 or emergency medical help rather than making an outpatient appointment. You may see several specialists while you're in the hospital. After you are stable, you may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiol…