This trial will evaluate the effect of acetazolamide (375 mg per day) vs. placebo on lung water content by ultrasound at acute altitude exposure in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel trial evaluating the effect of acetazolamide (375 mg per day) vs. placebo on lung water content by ultrasound in lowlanders with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease travelling to altitude. Participants living in the Bishkek area, Kyrgyzstan (760m), will be transferred by car within 4h to the Tuja Ashu high altitude clinic (3100 m), and stay there for 2 days. Acetazolamide 375mg/day (or placebo) will be administered 24 hours before departure at 760 m and during the stay at altitude. Outcomes will be assessed during the stay at 3100 m.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female patients, age 18-75 yrs.
• COPD diagnosed according to GOLD, FEV1 40-80% predicted, Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) ≥92% at 750 m.
• Born, raised and currently living at low altitude (<800m).
• Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• COPD exacerbation, very severe COPD with hypoxemia at low altitude (FEV1/Forced Vital Capacity <0.7, FEV1 <40% predicted, oxygen saturation on room air <92% at 750 m).
• Comorbidities such as uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, i.e., unstable systemic arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease; previous stroke; obstructive sleep apnea; pneumothorax in the last 2 months.
• Internal, neurologic, rheumatologic or psychiatric disease including current heavy smoking (>20 cigarettes per day)
• Known renal failure or allergy to acetazolamide and other sulfonamides