Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness | Posted by 365Doctor | 2024 [UPDATED] | Comments
Altitude sickness or acute mountain
sickness is an illness which is commonly seen in mountain climbers, hikers, and
also travelers in high altitude. Most cases are mild and the symptoms resolve,
once the person affected climb down the mountain to a lower altitude.
What is it? Altitude sickness occurs when one is unable to get enough oxygen from the atmosphere. This is usually seen in people who are not accustomed to higher altitudes, or who travel quickly from a lower altitude to a higher altitude. It could be a life threatening condition, breathing becomes difficult. It may also result in fluid accumulations in lungs, or in brain. Such conditions need immediate medical attention, and should not be left untreated.
Causes The main cause for altitude sickness is air density. Air at higher altitudes is thin, and therefore the level of oxygen in the air decreases. Oxygen is very important for performing normal bodily functions, and specially needed for brain alertness. This lack of oxygen therefore leads to symptoms relating to Altitude Sickness.
Symptoms
What is it? Altitude sickness occurs when one is unable to get enough oxygen from the atmosphere. This is usually seen in people who are not accustomed to higher altitudes, or who travel quickly from a lower altitude to a higher altitude. It could be a life threatening condition, breathing becomes difficult. It may also result in fluid accumulations in lungs, or in brain. Such conditions need immediate medical attention, and should not be left untreated.
Causes The main cause for altitude sickness is air density. Air at higher altitudes is thin, and therefore the level of oxygen in the air decreases. Oxygen is very important for performing normal bodily functions, and specially needed for brain alertness. This lack of oxygen therefore leads to symptoms relating to Altitude Sickness.
Symptoms
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