Portable hyperbaric chambers  for the treatment of altitude disease: Recommendation of the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme Medical Commission (UIAA MedCom)

Thomas Küpper; Ulf Gieseler; Jim Milledge; Audry Morrison; Volker Schöffl

doi:10.55225/hppa.429

Authors

Thomas Küpper Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen Technical University, Aachen, Germany; Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme Medical Commission (UIAA MedCom), Bern, Switzerland
Ulf Gieseler Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme Medical Commission (UIAA MedCom), Bern, Switzerland
Jim Milledge Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme Medical Commission (UIAA MedCom), Bern, Switzerland
Audry Morrison Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
Volker Schöffl Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme Medical Commission (UIAA MedCom), Bern, Switzerland; Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Klinikum Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany; Department of Trauma Surgery, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55225/hppa.429

Keywords:

altitude disease, AMS, HAPE, HACE, acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema , high altitude cerebral edema

Abstract

Portable hyperbaric chambers are a therapeutic option for altitude disease in the mountains. By an increase of the oxygen partial pressure the patient’s symptoms ameliorate significantly. Portable hyperbaric chambers may be used as ‘stand alone therapy’ as well as in combination with other therapeutic options. Here we present the recommendation how to use the device and how to avoid problems. The recommendation has been agreed by all members of the medical commission of the world umbrella organization Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA MedCom).

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References

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