Understanding High Altitude Pulmonary Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Support
By: Beth Rush
Managing Editor at Body+Mind
High-altitude destinations can be thrilling, but they also come with serious risks. One of the most dangerous conditions you can develop is high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Knowing what HAPE is and how to prevent it can be the difference between a safe journey and a perilous one. Protect yourself during your adventure by understanding this condition so you can keep enjoying your high-altitude adventures.
What Is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema?
High-altitude pulmonary edema is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs.
This condition can develop when traveling to higher elevations — as oxygen levels decrease, the higher you ascend to the top of a mountain. While most people can adjust to these changes, some individuals develop it when ascending high altitudes, which is considered 8,000 feet or more.
Common Causes of HAPE
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing HAPE. One of the primary risks is climbing upward too rapidly without allowing enough time for your body to adjust. When you ascend to high altitudes too quickly, your body has little time to acclimate to the reduced oxygen levels. As such, your lungs struggle to cope, leading to the buildup of fluid that characterizes HAPE.
Another cause is how susceptible you are to this medical condition. This may be due to genetics, regardless of physical fitness or prior experience. It can also put you at higher risk of experiencing it if you have a history of HAPE, even if it was a single occurrence.
Other factors play into how your body responds to low-oxygen environments, such as:
- Cold temperatures and strenuous activity.
- Preexisting health conditions, such as hypertension or heart-related issues.
- Use of sleep medication.
- High sodium consumption.
- Any health conditions that impact blood flow to the lungs.
Recognizing the Symptoms of HAPE
HAPE usually occurs two to five days after arriving at high altitudes.¹ So, it’s important to remain mindful of your feelings during this period.
Some often mistake early symptoms of HAPE for regular altitude sickness, which includes breathlessness, fatigue and feeling out of shape. Yet, what distinguishes HAPE is that the breathlessness persists at rest and worsens.
Over time, more severe symptoms begin to appear. These include extreme shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough that eventually produces frothy or pink-tinged sputum. You can also experience tightness in your chest or suffocation when lying down.
Other alarming symptoms include:
- A rapid heart rate.
- Bluish lips or fingernails, known as cyanosis.
- A significant drop in physical performance.
Because HAPE can escalate quickly, recognizing the signs and seeking immediate medical help is critical in preventing it from developing life-threatening complications.
Treating High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
If you suspect you have high-altitude pulmonary edema, you should take the following actions.
Immediate Descent
As soon as you start feeling the symptoms of HAPE, you should move to a lower altitude immediately. Even if you hike back down a few thousand feet, you can greatly reduce the pressure on your lungs and alleviate the symptoms of HAPE.
The goal is to reach a lower altitude quickly and safely. This will allow your body to start acclimating and reverse the effects of this condition.
Oxygen Therapy
Administration of supplemental oxygen is key to increasing it in the bloodstream. If you have access to a nearby medical facility, you should get treatment right away to prevent fluid accumulation.
In cases of mild HAPE, you might not need to descend if oxygen is available. Instead, the medical facility can treat you with continuous oxygen therapy over two to four days at the current altitude.²
Medical Intervention
When HAPE is more severe, medical treatment becomes necessary to manage the condition. Medications like nifedipine — a calcium channel blocker — are common for reducing the fluid buildup in the lungs. Another option includes phosphodiesterase inhibitors, improving oxygen delivery to the lungs. You often receive these medications in a clinical setting with the guidance of a health care professional.
If you have or plan to travel to high-altitude destinations, consider investing in travel insurance. Doing so will cover access to medical care abroad and can provide critical support for the necessary treatment of HAPE.³
4 Ways To Support High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
Take care of yourself by using the following preventative measures for HAPE.
1. Gradually Ascend
A key strategy is to allow your body ample time to acclimate to the higher elevations. By pacing yourself, you give yourself time to adjust. Consider climbing between 1,000 to 1,500 feet per day. This slow and steady approach lowers the chances of your lungs becoming overwhelmed by the drop in oxygen levels.
Another helpful practice is to stay a day or two at an intermediate elevation to start acclimating. This method will also give your body time to adjust and minimize the risk of HAPE.
2. Maintain Hydration and Proper Nutrition
At higher elevations, your body loses fluids more rapidly due to increased respiration rates and the dry, cold air. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to remain hydrated.
Nutrition is also vital in keeping your body strong against altitude-related illness. Consuming nutrient-dense foods — such as fruits, veggies, lean proteins and fats — provides the energy needed to cope with physical demands. Consider adding bone broth to your diet — it’s rich in amino acids and minerals and makes an excellent choice for high-altitude adventures.⁴
TIP: To support hydration, add sea salt to your food/water, which naturally contains minerals. And take Zaca’s chewables that supports hydration through glutamine.
3. Use Medications
Before going on an adventure at high heights, it is wise to talk to your doctor about taking altitude sickness medications. Depending on your medical history and the elevation levels of your destination, your doctor may recommend specific medications to reduce your risk of developing HAPE.
One commonly prescribed medication is acetazolamide, which helps your body acclimate by encouraging deeper, faster breathing. Another option may include nifedipine, especially if you’ve experienced HAPE before.
4. Recognize Personal Limits
While it’s natural to want to push yourself to reach a summit, understanding and respecting your body’s signals is critical. Overexertion, ignoring high altitude symptoms or failing to take adequate rest breaks can all increase your risk of developing this condition. Listening to your body means being mindful of how you feel at every stage of your ascent.
Utilize these four ways to support your high altitude journey.
Prioritizing Safety in High-Altitude Adventures
Understanding the causes, symptoms and prevention strategies for high altitude pulmonary edema is essential for anyone planning to travel to high-altitude environments. Use the right steps to reduce your risk of encountering it. Doing so will help you reach your summit in the safest way possible.
Elevate Your Performance With Zaca Chewables
Take your high-altitude adventures to the next level with Zaca, a recovery supplement for those who push their limits. If you love exploring new heights, Zaca’s chewables are your go-to for staying hydrated and recovering faster.
Every chewable has key ingredients to maintain peak performance, even in the toughest environments. They’re perfect for on-the-go support, simply take 2-4 chewables per day or as needed. Give Zaca’s chewable supplement a try and experience enhanced endurance on your next journey.
SOURCES:
1. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430819/#:~:text=HAPE%20typically%20occurs%202%20to,rest%20and%20severe%20exertional%20dyspnea
2. High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/high-elevation-travel-and-altitude-illness#:~:text=Phosphodiesterase%2D5%20Inhibitors&text=Tadalafil%2C%2010%20mg%20taken%20twice,studied%20as%20a%20possible%20treatment.
3. Navigating Solo Adventures: X Must-Know Tips for Traveling Alone https://bodymind.com/tips-for-traveling-alone/
4. Soup-ercharge Your Health: 7 Soup Recipes for the Anti-Inflammatory Diet https://bodymind.com/anti-inflammatory-diet/
