Question 1

What are some challenges humans face at high altitude?

Accepted Answer

At higher altitudes such as on top of a mountain, the air is less dense and this means that the partial pressure of oxygen is lower. Hence, the fall in atmospheric pressure at higher altitude decreases the partial pressure of inspired oxygen

Question 2

At what elevation range is altitude sickness a concern?

Accepted Answer

Any level above 8000 feet above sea level one can experience altitude concern

Question 3

What are the reasons why athletes train at high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

The advantage of altitude training is that the muscles get a natural boost when more oxygen is available during lower-altitude competitions.

Question 4

What happens to your lungs at high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

At altitude, the reduced oxygen content of the blood induces breathing instability, with periods of deep and rapid breathing alternating with central apnea. This breathing pattern is called high-altitude periodic breathing (PB).

Question 5

At what altitude do you need oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Supplemental oxygen is required above 10,000 feet

Question 6

Is there such a thing as 'reverse altitude sickness'?

Accepted Answer

Humans can certainly experience reverse altitude sickness, known as high-altitude de acclimatisation syndrome (HADAS). When people who live at low altitude have adjusted to a high-altitude, low-oxygen environment, they can get any of a large number of possible symptoms of HADAS when returning to a lower altitude.

Question 7

How does one avoid altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

Avoid visiting places on the same day when you get to higher altitudes. Acclimatise and only then get to places which requires climbing.

Question 8

What causes an increase in hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

High hemoglobin level is most often caused by low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia), present over a long period of time. Common reasons includes bone marrow disease that causes abnormal increase in red blood cells (polycythemia vera) Congenital heart disease and heavy smoking.

Question 9

What should you do if you have altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

If you have altitude sickness you should first acclimatise with the enviroment for 24-48 hours before stepping out to do any activity.

Question 10

Why does sleeping at high altitude improve fitness levels?

Accepted Answer

Sleeping at higher attitudes promote fitness as it provides enough exposure to stimulate the production of new red blood cells, whilst allowing you to maintain training quality at sea level.

Question 11

What happens if there is a high HB level in men?

Accepted Answer

High hemoglobin levels can lead to dizziness, fatigue, easy bruising and other symptoms.

Question 12

Why don't you get altitude sickness on an aeroplane?

Accepted Answer

The cabin air pressure in an airplane is adjusted to compensate for these high altitudes. The oxygen level is comparable to levels found in elevations of 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Both men and women can get altitude sickness.

Question 13

Why does the hemoglobin level rise at high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

At high attitudes, hypoxia-induced erythropoietic drive results in erythrocytosis and an increase in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit. Hence people with SCD should be careful and report abnormalities to the doctor immediately.

Question 14

Why do people living at a high altitude seem to be red?

Accepted Answer

They seem to be reddish because of greater concentration of hemoglobin the oxygen carrying protein the main component of red blood cells.

Question 15

Why is lower oxygen affinity in hb better at higher altitudes?

Accepted Answer

At higher altitudes such as on top of a mountain, the air is less dense and this means that the partial pressure of oxygen is lower.

Question 16

Does living at a high altitude make you fitter?

Accepted Answer

Living at high altitude can potentially improve your endurance during intense exercise. It may increase your aerobic capacity, lactic acid tolerance, and oxygen flow to your muscles. To prevent altitude sickness, climb slowly and reduce your intensity at high altitudes.

Question 17

What is it like to live in extremely high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

High altitudes may mean ambient pressure can drop below vapour pressure hence, you might feel lethargy, sometimes unconciousness and if you are unable to cope up then connect with a doctor to know the best treatment.

Question 18

What are the effects of living at high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

You will likely feel nauseous and lightheaded. You may vomit and have a headache. Different levels of altitude sickness have different symptoms: Symptoms of mild, short-term altitude sickness usually begin 12 to 24 hours after arriving at high altitude

Question 19

How do people survive at high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

Humans can survive at high altitudes. However, if you go to a high altitude, your body needs to adjust properly by getting used to it slowly or you could get sick.

Question 20

What is the effect of high altitude on an unacclimated person?

Accepted Answer

High altitude environments can be debilitating to unacclimatized individuals exposed to elevations above 3,000 m (9,843 ft) for periods ranging from several hours to days. Moderate hypoxia induces substantial alterations in physiological and psychological parameters within a few hours

Question 21

How can I breathe better at high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

Once you have mastered the belly breath, you can add resistance to your exhalation by pursing your lips and exhaling forcefully, and this is what mountaineers call the Pressure Breath. This is one of the most important breaths for climbing at high altitudes that helps combat the decrease in atmospheric pressure

Question 22

Why is it difficult to breathe in high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

At higher altitudes such as on top of a mountain, the air is less dense and this means that the partial pressure of oxygen is lower. Hence, the fall in atmospheric pressure at higher altitude decreases the partial pressure of inspired oxygen

Question 23

At which altitude does the air begin to be noticeably thinner?

Accepted Answer

At 12,500 feet the air becomes thinner and oxygen becomes lower making it difficult to breathe.

Question 24

Do people living in high altitude have bigger lungs?

Accepted Answer

They have larger lung capacity than people living in the plains.

Question 25

Is oxygen low in higher altitudes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, oxygen is lower in higher altitudes

Question 26

Why does level of oxygen decrease when altitude increases?

Accepted Answer

High altitudes can cause low oxygen saturation levels or desaturation of an individual's blood. It happens because of low atmospheric pressure at high altitudes. Oxygen saturation levels refer to the extent hemoglobin is bound or saturated to oxygen.

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