What is HAPE? HSJ Heli 1 min read HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) is a buildup of fluid in the lungs at high altitude, causing severe shortness of breath, cough, and extreme fatigue. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate descent, often via helicopter. Share: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp ← Previous article What conditions commonly require helicopter rescue in Nepal? Next article → What is HACE?