What is speculated today on this is, “The pathogenesis of high altitude pulmonary edema is still a subject of study, but strong evidence indicates that it is triggered by pulmonary hypertension as a result of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction”.
My research points to the main cause of all Edema’s are higher pH (here low PaCO2) level in Blood. Decreasing the pH (adding CO2) is the remedy.
Also, the condition of the subject worsens due to sudden drop in %SpO2 level also due to Pulmonary Edema, secondarily.
The role of PaCO2 in high altitude pulmonary edema can be further substantiated, by the statement, “ If edema does not develop within 4 or 5 days of someone moving to high altitude, it does not develop at all unless the altitude is increased again”
- carbonic anhydrase treatment along with oxygen therapy is the best very fast recovery option but needs to be medically validated for practice.
I can provide a detailed research paper on enquiry. I welcome you to work with me to validate this theory acceptable and workable practically. As you know this has many valuable applications in tourism, military etc., Management of HAPE patients at high altitude is a severe challenge today.
