High-altitude pulmonary edema ( HAPE ) is a life-threatening form of
non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema that occurs in otherwise healthy people at
altitudes typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). However, cases have also
been reported between 1,500–2,500 metres or 4,900–8,200 feet in more
vulnerable subjects.
Classically, HAPE occurs in persons normally living at low altitude who travel
to an altitude above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Re-entry HAPE is also an
entity that has been described in persons who normally live at high altitude
but who develop pulmonary edema after returning from a stay at low altitude.
It is severe presentation of altitude sickness.