High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema Management in a Special Operator

Authors

• Jafet Ojeda Rodriguez, Keesler Medical Center
• David Shumway, Keesler Medical Center
• Pricilla Tubbs, Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Madelaine Leek, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
• Darrell Nettlow, Keesler Medical Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Special Operations Medicine A Peer Reviewed Journal for Sof Medical Professionals

Abstract

This case report delves into the challenges in diagnosis and management of a 30-year-old Army Special Forces officer who experienced respiratory distress during high-altitude training in Nepal, where he gained 3,000m in elevation over 3 days. Notably, the patient was prophylactically treated with acetazolamide but did not receive nifedipine or tadalafil. At an elevation of 13,550 feet (4,130m), the patient developed classic high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) symptoms as well as concomitant respiratory symptomatology of breathlessness and worsening productive cough. The complexity of this case lay in managing HAPE in a remote, resource-limited environment with a small rescue window. We analyze the treatment alternatives used and ones not used, such as the portable hyperbaric chamber, and emphasize the necessity for standard-ized HAPE prophylaxis in appropriate personnel to prevent disruption to mission and loss of operational capabilities.

First Page

93

Last Page

90

DOI

10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.X6OP-09X7

Publication Date

4-3-2026

Recommended Citation

Rodriguez, Jafet Ojeda; Shumway, David; Tubbs, Pricilla; Leek, Madelaine; and Nettlow, Darrell, "High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema Management in a Special Operator" (2026). SOMA Student Publications. 22.
https://scholarworks.atsu.edu/soma-student/22