Medical Conditions and High-Altitude Travel

Electrolysis of water is an effective source of oxygen at high altitude

“…With the increasing number of unacclimatized lowlanders traveling to high altitude, the importance of the management of acute high altitude illness is growing. Acute high altitude illness is triggered by hypobaric hypoxia and can be fatal if not treated promptly [ 1 ]. Oxygen supplementation is lifesaving, but this is often impossible in resource-limited regions.…”

Resuscitation for moribund alpinists stranded at high altitudes: A stepwise approach including ECMO as a last resort strategy

“…Resuscitation for moribund alpinists stranded at high altitudes: A stepwise approach including ECMO as a last resort strategy 1…”

“…The critical pathophysiology of HAPE involves a hypoxemia‐mediated rise in pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to increased microvascular hydrostatic pressures despite normal left atrial pressure. The resultant hydrostatic stress increases the permeability of the alveolar capillary barrier, and causes leakage of large proteins and erythrocytes in the alveolar space 1 . HACE instead is the result of vasogenic brain edema with raised intracranial pressure, secondary to increased venous pressure, leading to a blood–brain barrier (BBB) leak and the release of biochemical mediators of BBB permeability, namely the vascular endothelial growth factor and reactive oxygen species 2 …”

Case report: Severe rhabdomyolysis and acute liver injury in a high-altitude mountain climber

“…In mountains higher than 2,500 m above sea level, high-altitude headache, central sleep apnea, and acute high-altitude illness (AHAI) may develop, especially in people without acclimatization. AHAI, including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), usually occurs after hours to 4 days because of poor adjustment to an oxygen-decreased environment ( 1 , 2 ). Headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue/weakness, and dizziness/light-headedness are four major symptoms of AMS.…”

“…In severe cases, AMS may progress to HACE with neurologic deficits such as conscious change and/or HAPE featuring dyspnea, cough, frothy sputum, and cyanosis. Slow ascent, premedication (pharmacological prophylaxis), and pre-acclimatization can prevent AHAI ( 2 ).…”