Frequently Asked Questions

If you suspect HAPE, you must descend immediately. Ideally, it would be best if you did this with the help of others, such as medical staff. Increased exertion could worsen your symptoms.
Another treatment option is supplemental oxygen, particularly if you have access to a medical facility at a high altitude nearby. Portable oxygen may also be necessary if you can’t make an immediate descent.
A doctor may also prescribe nifedipine, an anti-hypertensive medication. Nifedipine may treat HAPE by alleviating chest tightness and increasing your ability to breathe better.
The doctor may prescribe this oral medication in either 30 mg doses every 12 hours (extended-release) or 20 mg doses every 8 hours.
Once you have safely descended, you’ll need to seek further treatment for HAPE at the nearest hospital.

The key to preventing HAPE is acclimation. It’s best to give your body a chance to get used to the new altitude.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest the following tips to ascend slowly and safely:
• Avoid going above 9,000 feet (2,750 meters) in 1 day. Your sleeping elevation on the first day should be lower than this level.
• Once you’re above 9,000 feet, ascend no more than 1,600 feet (500 meters) per day.
• Over 9,000 feet, have a rest day for every additional 3,300 feet (1,000 meters).
• Consider a rest day every 3 to 4 days for longer trips.
HAPE vs. HACE
• Both HAPE and HACE are types of altitude illnesses.
• HACE is a rare development of AMS. HAPE may occur with or without symptoms of AMS, such as headache, fatigue, and lethargy.
• But unlike HACE, HAPE causes distinct breathing difficulties, including breathlessness while you’re resting. HAPE is also more rapidly fatal than HACE, though both conditions can be deadly.
• HAPE affects the lungs, while HACE impacts your brain. Thus, HACE may also cause certain symptoms not seen in HAPE, such as hallucinations, loss of coordination, and confusion.
• Up to 14%Trusted Source of people with HAPE also have HACE at the same time.

Any of the following symptoms should be considered possible HAPE. A clinician would consider two or more source of these symptoms as definitive for HAPE if there’s no other explanation:
• chest tightness or pain
• cough
• shortness of breath while resting
• decreased exercise tolerance
To confirm a possible diagnosis of HAPE, a clinician would look for two or more source of the following:
• bluish or grayish skin or lips
• crackling or wheezing in your lungs
• rapid heart rate
• rapid breathing
Some symptoms may mimic those of other lung issues, such as pneumonia or pulmonary embolism. A doctor may need to order or perform tests to rule out other conditions.

1.)Tuberculosis (TB): TB is one of the most prevalent chest diseases in India, contributing to a significant burden of morbidity and mortality.
2.)Lung Cancer: The incidence of lung cancer is rising, even among non-smokers, due to factors like air pollution and genetic predisposition.
3.)Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, often caused by smoking and air pollution.
4.)Pleural Effusion: This condition involves the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, which can be due to various causes, including infections and malignancies.
5.)Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid.

• Smoking: A major risk factor for lung cancer and COPD.
• Air Pollution: Exposure to pollutants from vehicles, industrial activities, and burning fossil fuels increases the risk of lung diseases.
• Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to certain chest diseases.
• Occupational Hazards: Exposure to harmful substances in certain jobs can increase the risk of developing chest diseases.

• Imaging Tests: X-rays and CT scans are commonly used to detect abnormalities in the chest.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): These tests measure how well the lungs are working.
• Biopsy: In cases of suspected cancer, a biopsy may be performed to diagnose the type of cancer.
• Sputum Tests: Used to diagnose infections like TB and pneumonia.

•Targeted Therapies: New medications that specifically target cancer cells in lung cancer.
•Minimally Invasive Surgeries: Techniques that reduce recovery time and complications.
•Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Comprehensive programs to improve lung function and quality of life.
•Advanced Imaging Techniques: Improved diagnostic tools like high-resolution CT scans

• Government Hospitals: Many government hospitals, such as the SDS Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Bengaluru, specialize in treating chest diseases.
• Private Hospitals: Several private hospitals and clinics also offer specialized care for chest diseases.
•Specialized Institutes: Institutions like the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases provide expert care and treatment.

•Chest Pain: Can be sharp, dull, or a feeling of tightness.
•Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath.
•Cough: Persistent cough, sometimes with mucus.
•Wheezing: A whistling sound when breathing.
•Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.

• Heart-related Causes: Conditions like angina, heart attack, and heart failure.
• Lung-related Causes: Issues such as pneumonia, pleuritis, and lung cancer.
• Digestive Causes: Acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and esophageal spasms.
• Musculoskeletal Causes: Muscle strain, costochondritis, and rib injuries.

•Quit Smoking: Avoiding tobacco products can significantly reduce the risk.
•Improve Air Quality: Use air purifiers, avoid outdoor pollution, and ensure good ventilation at home.
•Regular Exercise: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity.
•Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
•Vaccinations: Staying up-to-date with vaccinations, especially for flu and pneumonia