Effects of high altitude on humans

Effects of High Altitude on Humans

The Effects of high altitude on humans are considerable. The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is about 21%. As altitude increases, the percentage remains the same but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced. At high altitudes, the lower oxygen pressure reduces oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, which is described as hypoxia.

Pronunciation

Effects: /ɪˈfɛkts/ High: /haɪ/ Altitude: /ˈæltɪˌtud/ On: /ɒn/ Humans: /ˈhjuːmənz/

Etymology

The term "altitude" comes from the Latin word "altitudo," meaning "height." "High" is from the Old English "heah," and "effects" is derived from the Latin "effectus," meaning "accomplishment, performance."

Related Terms

• Hypoxia (medical)
• Altitude sickness
• Acute mountain sickness
• High-altitude pulmonary edema
• High-altitude cerebral edema

Symptoms and Effects

At high altitudes, humans can experience a range of symptoms and conditions due to the lower oxygen levels and decreased air pressure. These include acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema. Symptoms can range from mild, such as headache and fatigue, to severe, such as confusion, ataxia, and even death in extreme cases.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention and treatment of the effects of high altitude on humans involve acclimatization, descent to lower altitudes, and medications such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Oxygen therapy can also be used in severe cases.

See Also

• Altitude training
• Hypobaric chamber
• Oxygen saturation

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.