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Recompression therapy of mountain sickness.
Dubravko Marković1, Hasan Kovacević
1General Hospital Pula, Pula, Croatia.
Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
|August 2, 2002
Summary
A portable hyperbaric chamber effectively treated severe acute mountain sickness, specifically high altitude pulmonary edema, in a climber on Mount Everest. This non-oxygen treatment significantly reduced the patient's perceived altitude, leading to symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Altitude Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) are serious risks for high-altitude climbers.
- Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications or fatalities.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old climber developed severe HAPE at 7,060 m on Mount Everest.
- The patient was treated with a portable hyperbaric chamber (Gamow bag) for two hours using ambient air.
Findings:
- The hyperbaric chamber treatment increased pressure, effectively lowering the perceived altitude from 6,050 m to 4,400 m.
- The HAPE symptoms resolved completely during the two-hour treatment.
- The patient made a full recovery upon descent to 2,000 m.
Implications:
- Portable hyperbaric chambers are a viable and recommended treatment for severe AMS and HAPE at extreme altitudes.
- This method offers a critical intervention when immediate descent is not feasible or carries significant risk.
- The use of ambient air in hyperbaric chambers presents a practical approach for remote high-altitude environments.
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