Altitude sickness: Is there really less oxygen at higher altitudes?

For those who have had the opportunity to experience the ascension to high mountains, it is common to feel a moment of difficulty breathing, that feeling that "I'm short of breath"This phenomenon is popularly known as altitude sickness or soroche, a physical discomfort that can manifest itself in various ways, including headache, weakness, and nausea. The widespread belief is often that lack of oxygen is responsible for this discomfort as altitude increases.

However, it is important to clarify that it is not oxygen that is scarce, but rather the atmospheric pressure that surrounds our body. Oxygen in the air remains constant at 21%., regardless of the altitude at which we find ourselves. Now, if climbers and mountaineers who conquer peaks such as the Everest They use oxygen tanks. Why is this? The answer lies in atmospheric pressure and how it affects our ability to absorb air.

How does atmospheric pressure influence lack of air?

La lower atmospheric pressure At high altitudes, our lungs must work harder to absorb air and therefore oxygen. For example, at the top of the EverestAt an altitude of almost 9,000 meters, the atmospheric pressure is 0.33 atmospheres, compared to 1 atmosphere at sea level. This reduction in pressure means that air becomes much more difficult to inhale. For more information on the composition of the atmosphere and its functions, you can consult this article about the structure of the atmosphere, which also helps to understand the relationship with atmospheric pressure.

At the summit of Everest, the pulmonary alveoli can barely extract enough oxygen to transport it into the bloodstream. This shortage is the main cause of the physical symptoms experienced by climbers, and in the most severe cases, it can lead to very serious complications such as pulmonary edema or myocardial infarction.

We can use an analogy to better understand this phenomenon. Let's consider a bicycle wheelWhen we inflate it, we increase the pressure. Similarly, the higher the air pressure, the more oxygen will be available in a given volume. While the air remains the same, at high altitudes, the air becomes thinner due to the lower pressure, meaning that even though there is the same percentage of oxygen in the air, the number of oxygen molecules available is lower.

So when you are at high altitudes and feel short of breath, remember that It's not that there is a lack of oxygenBut you can't absorb it efficiently. For more information on how atmospheric pressure plays a role in health at high altitudes, we recommend an article on the variation in air temperature.

The effect of altitude on atmospheric pressure

As we ascend, the atmospheric pressure decreasesThis is a fundamental concept for understanding altitude sickness. Upon reaching altitudes above 2,500 meters, many people begin to experience symptoms of hypoxia due to this lower pressure. Understanding how mountains form can help you better understand this phenomenon; visit here for more details on the formation of mountain ranges.

1. Oxygen percentage constancy: Oxygen concentration remains constant at 21% throughout the atmosphere, from the sea surface to the highest peaks on the planet.
2. Decrease in atmospheric pressure: The higher we go, the less air there is above us, which causes the pressure to decrease and, therefore, the amount of air we can inhale.

Impact on the human body at high altitudes

As altitude increases, our body's ability to absorb oxygen is compromised. At altitudes of 2,500–3,000 meters, many individuals begin to experience symptoms such as:

• Exhausted
• Headache
• Dizziness and nausea
• Palpitations and tachycardia
• slow digestion

These symptoms are signs that the body is struggling to adapt to altitude. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, occurs because the heart tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen by pumping more blood. To explore more of the interesting facts about altitude, Aurora borealis, you can visit .

Mechanisms of adaptation to extreme altitudes

Most mountaineers Those who climb high altitude mountains use supplemental oxygen bottles due to the extreme reduction in available oxygen. However, they also undergo a process of acclimatization Before making summit ascents, passing through intermediate altitudes such as 3,000 to 6,000 meters to allow your body to adapt. For more information on how mountains are formed, you can consult this article and understand the effect of atmospheric pressure on the altitude.

During this process, the body increases the production of hemoglobin, the protein present in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. This adaptation is crucial for combating the effects of hypoxia.

Strategies for the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness

Making a gradual ascent is one of the best strategies for preventing altitude sickness. Allowing the body to slowly adapt to the decrease in oxygen reduces the risk of developing severe symptoms. Below are some recommendations, which also relate to atmospheric pressure at altitude. altitude:

• Do not increase altitude by more than 300 to 500 meters per day..
• Spending time at intermediate altitudes before continuing to ascend.

If you experience mild symptoms, stop the ascent and rest. For more severe symptoms, medications such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone They can be helpful, but always under the supervision of a doctor. You can learn more about the ecosystem and its relationship with altitude. at this link, where atmospheric pressure is also mentioned.

If symptoms are severe, descend to lower altitudes This is the most effective treatment. This allows atmospheric pressure to increase and facilitates oxygen absorption by the lungs. Supplemental oxygen is also recommended during the descent to stabilize the affected person.

Complications of altitude sickness

The most serious complications related to altitude sickness include:

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

HACE occurs when the brain swells due to lack of oxygen, presenting symptoms such as:

• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• In extreme cases, coma

Immediate descent to lower altitudes is crucial, along with oxygen and dexamethasone administration. You can find more information on the effects of altitude at this article, which also talks about atmospheric pressure.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

HAPE is characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include:

• Cough
• Trouble breathing
• Tight feeling in the chest

The primary treatment is immediate descent to lower altitudes, along with oxygen administration. Information about climate change can be helpful in understanding the importance of treating these complications quickly and effectively; you can read about it here. here.

Emergency measures

If severe complications such as HACE or HAPE occur, rapid action is essential. Supplemental oxygen may temporarily stabilize the patient, but descent to a lower altitude is crucial for recovery. In situations where immediate descent is not possible, a hyperbaric bag to simulate lower altitude conditions and provide temporary relief.

Risk factors and individual susceptibility

The speed with which one ascends to high altitudes is a significant risk factor for developing altitude sickness. Ascending too quickly does not allow the body to properly acclimatize, increasing the likelihood of experiencing symptoms. Some factors to consider include:

• Initial height: People living at sea level are more prone to altitude sickness compared to those living at intermediate altitudes.
• Age: Susceptibility to altitude sickness is inversely proportional to age; younger individuals tend to be more vulnerable.
• Physical condition and experience: The body's response to altitude sickness can vary considerably between individuals, depending on factors such as genetics and physical fitness.

It is essential that those planning to ascend to high altitudes be aware of these factors and prepare appropriately, which includes being informed about their potential health effects, as you can read in this article about the lack of snow.

Sources of information on altitude sickness

There are numerous resources available that provide additional information about altitude sickness and how to prevent it. These include scientific studies, health articles, and testimonials from experienced mountaineers who have faced these difficulties. Some of these resources include:

• How the lack of oxygen at high altitudes affects
• What it is and how to avoid it
• Atmospheric pressure and variation of oxygen in height

Education and preparation are key to minimizing the risks associated with altitude sickness and enjoying the mountaineering experience in all its splendor.