Höhenmedizin

Höhenaufenthalte von Menschen sind viel häufiger als allgemein angenommen. Ab einer Höhe von 2500 m können Höhenerkrankungen auftreten, die mitunter lebensbedrohlich sind. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über Risikofaktoren, präventive Aspekte und Therapieoptionen.

Abstract

High altitude activities are much more frequent than generally assumed. At altitudes of 2500 m and above, altitude-related illnesses can occur, which are sometimes life-threatening. This article gives an overview of risk factors, preventive aspects, and therapeutic options.

Kernaussagen

• Die beste Prävention für Höhenerkrankungen ist die Akklimatisation.

• Die kausale Therapie für Höhenerkrankungen ist der Abstieg.

• Die akute Bergkrankheit (Acute Mountain Sickness; AMS) ist meist vor Ort therapierbar und nicht lebensgefährlich.

• Das Höhenhirn- (High Altitude Cerebral Edema, HACE) und Höhenlungenödem (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema; HAPE) sind akut lebensbedrohlich und erfordern eine sofortige Höhenreduktion mit additiver medikamentöser Therapie.

• Nicht medikamentöse Therapieoptionen sind Abstieg/Abtransport, Sauerstoffgabe, Überdrucksack und positiver Atemwegsdruck.

• Medikamentöse Therapieoptionen sind für schwere oder sogar lebensgefährliche Erkrankungen Dexamethason (schwere AMS, HACE) und Nifedipin retard (HAPE).

Schlüsselwörter

Akute Bergkrankheit AMS - Akklimatisation - Höhenlungenödem HAPE - Höhenhirnödem HACE

Keywords

acute Mountain Sickness AMS - high Altitude cerebral Edema HACE - high Altitude pulmonary Edema HAPE - acclimatisation

Publication History

Article published online:
11 April 2023

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