Question

1. Explain why pulmonary edema is a symptom of altitude sickness.

Answer 1

In high altitudes, atmospheric pressure is low compared to sea level. So oxgen level will be less in the atmosphere and in turn leads to hypoxia.

Hypoxia will results in uneven vasoconstriction of pulmonary vessels. It leads to increase in the capillary perfusion and results in increased pulmonary pressure. The increased mechanical stress will damage endothelium of the vessels. Fluid leaking occurs through damaged endothelium and results in pulmonary edema.