Respiratory Health Benefits and Risks of Living at Moderate Altitude

Grissom, Colin K., Barbara E. Jones. Respiratory health benefits and risks of living at moderate altitude. High Alt Med Biol 00:000-000, 2017.The respiratory system plays a critical role in the series of physiologic responses that occur at high altitude and allows individuals to adapt to and tolerate hypobaric hypoxia. Persons with underlying lung disease may have complications, but sometimes derive benefits, related to residence at high altitude. This review will focus on health benefits and risks of patients with underlying asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea, who live at altitudes of 1500 to 4500m. We will also discuss maladaptive responses of the respiratory system at high altitude in previously healthy persons, including development of pulmonary hypertension and sleep-disordered breathing.