injuries and poisoning
Altitude Illness
Introduction
Altitude illness occurs because of a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, tiredness, nausea or loss of appetite, irritability, and in more serious cases, shortness of breath, confusion, and even coma. Doctors diagnose altitude illness primarily based on the symptoms. Treatment may include rest, descending to a lower altitude, and sometimes medications, extra oxygen, or both. People may prevent these disorders by ascending slowly and sometimes by taking medications. As altitude increases, the percentage of oxygen in air remains constant, but the atmospheric pressure decreases, thinning the air so that less oxygen is available. For example, compared with the air at sea level, the air at 19,000 feet (5,800 meters) contains only half the amount of oxygen. In Denver, which is located about 5,300 feet (1,615 meters) above sea level, the air contains 20% less oxygen. Most people can ascend to 5,000 to 6,500 feet (1,500 to 2,000 meters) in one day without problems, but about 20% of people who ascend to 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) and 40% who ascend to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) develop some form of altitude illness. The rate of ascent, highest altitude reached, and sleeping altitude all influence the likelihood of developing any of the major forms of altitude illness. The organs most commonly affected by altitude illness are the Brain (causing Acute mountain sickness (AMS) [AMS] and rarely Lungs (causing High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) [HAPE]) 