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[High altitude sojourn in lung diseases]
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Patients with pulmonary diseases can surprisingly tolerate medium altitudes. Individual assessment is crucial, differentiating between reversible and irreversible lung conditions for accurate high-altitude fitness evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Altitude Physiology
Context:
- Patients with reduced respiratory reserves often live at higher altitudes.
- Medium altitudes (1500-2500m) are surprisingly well-tolerated by these patients.
- Individual assessment is necessary to determine high-altitude fitness.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the high-altitude tolerance in patients with pulmonary diseases.
- To differentiate between reversible and irreversible pulmonary conditions regarding altitude adaptation.
- To inform clinical decisions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and co-existing coronary heart diseases.
Summary:
- Many patients with obstructive pulmonary disease tolerate medium altitudes well, despite reduced oxygen levels.
- Irreversible conditions like emphysema or fibrosis may feel better in mountain air but have less physical fitness.
- Adaptation potential varies significantly between reversible and irreversible pulmonary diseases.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for individualized patient assessment for high-altitude exposure.
- Informs management strategies for pulmonary patients considering travel or relocation to medium altitudes.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering comorbidities like coronary heart disease in altitude tolerance assessments.