High-altitude pulmonary edema in an experienced climber: A case report

Abstract High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening altitude illness that usually occurs in insufficiently acclimatized climbers at altitudes above 2500 m. HAPE also accounts for the high-altitude-related mortality among all high-altitude sicknesses. The risk of developing HAPE increases with increasing altitude and faster ascent. Medications, such as acetazolamide, have been recommended as prophylaxis for acute mountain sickness; however, its role in HAPE prevention has not been established.