Can high-altitude cough lead to pulmonary edema?
Sep 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Most cases of dry cough at high altitudes are subacute pulmonary edema. Sudden onset of dry cough or cough with sputum in individuals in a high-altitude environment should be considered as manifestations of pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema at high altitudes must be promptly treated with effective measures. Patients with high-altitude pulmonary edema should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, manage their time reasonably, and avoid staying up late in daily life.
High-altitude dry cough is mostly subacute pulmonary edema. When patients suddenly develop dry cough or productive cough and are in a high-altitude environment, pulmonary edema should be considered. Immediate effective measures must be taken once pulmonary edema occurs at high altitude. Details are as follows:
1. Use of a ventilator mask to inhale oxygen can effectively improve dyspnea and tachycardia. If possible, portable hyperbaric bags should be used. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers and hyperbaric bags are highly effective treatment devices that enable patients to rapidly return to a normoxic environment. At the same time, this helps reduce rheumatic heart disease and prevent pneumonia. For patients with moderate to severe high-altitude pulmonary edema, invasive mechanical ventilation may be performed to assist breathing.
2. Rapidly transfer the patient to a lower altitude to escape the hypoxic environment. This approach is generally suitable when the travel distance is short, the patient's condition is improving, sufficient oxygen supply is available, transportation is adequate, or there is professional medical escort support.
3. Pharmacological treatment: For patients who cannot be evacuated promptly, sublingual administration or oral intake of candesartan can reduce pulmonary artery pressure and improve oxygenation, thereby alleviating symptoms. Doxofylline helps relieve bronchospasm; cardiac stimulants promote diuresis and significantly reduce pulmonary artery pressure. Intravenous furosemide reduces blood volume and alleviates cardiac load. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be required for treatment.
Patients with high-altitude pulmonary edema should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, manage their time reasonably, and avoid staying up late. Appropriate medications can be used to treat acute pulmonary edema and acute cerebral injury. It is strongly recommended to visit a正规 hospital for comprehensive evaluation and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician.
