Altitude-related pulmonary disorders

The major physiologic stress encountered at high altitude is caused by the occurrence of hypobaric hypoxia. In this article, acute and chronic pulmono cardiac adaptation to altitude is reviewed, including possible genetic diff erences among highlanders from the Himalayan versus the Andean mountains. T he origin, symptoms, and treatment of acute mountain sickness and high alti tude pulmonary edema are outlined. In addition, the prediction and preventi on of pulmonary complications that may be encountered or exacerbated during commercial airflight are noted.