What is the treatment for High Altitude Pulmonary Edema?

• A. Oxygen at a lower altitude.
• B. Hyperbaric oxygen at the same altitude.
• C. Antibiotics.
• D. Diuretics only.

Answer: (A)

Descent to a lower altitude is the key treatment for High Altitude Pulmonary Edema because the root problem is the low oxygen environment at high altitude. Moving to a lower altitude increases the inspired oxygen, reduces pulmonary artery pressures, and halts the edema that develops from hypoxia. While giving supplemental oxygen at the highest practical flow helps correct hypoxemia and supports breathing, actually getting to a place with better oxygen availability addresses the underlying cause more effectively. If descent isn’t immediately possible, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used as a temporary measure to improve oxygenation, but it does not replace the benefit of moving to lower altitude. Antibiotics aren’t indicated because HAPE isn’t an infection, and diuretics alone aren’t appropriate and can worsen circulation by reducing preload.