This study aims to evaluate whether High-flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy (HFNC) provides superior respiratory support compared to Conventional Oxygen Therapy (COT) in patients with High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Aged 18 years or older;
Onset of symptoms related to HAPE (including dyspnea at rest, cough, or exercise intolerance) within 7 days of ascending to high altitude (≥2500m);
Diagnosis of HAPE according to the STAR data reporting guidelines, requiring at least two symptoms (dyspnea at rest, cough, weakness/decreased exercise performance, or chest tightness/congestion) and two clinical signs (rales or wheezing in at least one lung field, central cyanosis, tachypnea, or tachycardia);
Radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema on chest X-ray or CT;
Known or clinically confirmed pregnancy;
Requirement for emergency intubation (as assessed by the treating clinician) due to cardiac/respiratory arrest, hemodynamic instability, airway compromise, severe hypoxia, or impaired consciousness, etc;
Pulmonary edema or hypoxemia resulting from other medical conditions (e.g., cardiogenic pulmonary edema, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumothorax, massive pleural effusion, chest trauma, etc.);
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤ 12;