Trails.com - Your Guide to the Outdoors
Your guide to the outdoors.
Search for:
  • Trails
  • Photos
  • Members
  • Gear
Toyota2009-A

For full access to Trails.com, Log In or begin your 14-Day Free Trial. Learn more…

How to Avoid Pulmonary Edema at High Elevation

Email Share
By Lisa Marie Mercer
How to Avoid Pulmonary Edema at High Elevation
Pulmonary edema is caused by excess fluid in the lungs. Every time you take a breath, the air sacs in your lungs take in oxygen while releasing carbon dioxide. In most cases, this exchange of gases is not problematic. However, under some circumstances the increased pressure in your blood vessels will force excess fluid into your lungs.This prevents your lungs from absorbing oxygen, and causes a condition called pulmonary edema.

Usually, this condition is the result of some sort of heart condition. However, it also occurs at high altitude. In this case, high altitude is defined as altitudes over 6,500 feet. Whether you are a mountain climber of as backcountry skier, it behooves you to understand the risks on high-altitude pulmonary edema.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You'll Need:
  • Water Hiking or backcountry ski gear Medication prescribed by your doctor
  • Water
  • Hiking or backcountry ski gear
  • Medication prescribed by your doctor
Step 1
Spend two days at a lower altitude before you ascend to a higher elevation. For example, if you plan to hike or ski the mountains of Colorado, spend a few days in Denver or Boulder.
Step 2
Stay hydrated. The symptoms of altitude sickness often mimic the symptoms of dehydration.
Step 3
Avoid alcohol and red meat for the first few days of your trip.
Step 4
Ascend gradually. If you plan to hike of Colorado's Fourteeners, do not ascend more than 1,000 feet at a time without stopping to acclimate to the elevation.
Step 5
Sleep at a lower elevation. Sleeping at high altitude causes insomnia.
Step 6
Familiarize your self with the symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema. These include extreme fatigue, cough, chest tightness and congestion. Descend, and seek immediate medical help if you experience these symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

 
Some people find that ginseng and/or Viagra are helpful.
 
Your doctor might prescribe Diamox. However, this is dangerous if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Resources

About The Author

Lisa Marie Mercer authored "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness," "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County" and "101 Fitness Tips for Women." She's worked as a fitness professional, tour guide and ski resort employee. Her work has appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "The Professional Skier," "Pregnancy Magazine," and "Wired."
Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    3 Main Types of Altitude Sickness

    3 Main Types of Altitude Sickness

    Some of the world's most noted tourist attractions, such as the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, require visitors to ascend to high altitudes. Mountaineers, skiers and trekkers venture into ever higher locations in search of fresh adventure or untrampled destinations. The com...

    More Mountain Climbing...

  • Popular Article

    How to Repair Trekking Poles

    How to Repair Trekking Poles

    Trekking poles can do wonders for relieving the stress of hiking on the back, knees and feet, particularly if you are carrying a backpack. Poles are suggested to be able to reduce up to 25 pounds of carried weight pressing down on your joints by transferring the load to ...

    More Walking & Nature Walks...

  • Featured Video

    Choosing Ski Types & Sizes

    Choosing Ski Types & Sizes

    Learn how to find the right style and size of ski in this free beginner skiing lesson on video, with tips on how ski size affects speed and control.

    More Alpine Skiing...

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword