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Medical Effects From Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres

Oxygen deficient atmospheres are common at altitudes higher than 8,000 feet above sea level and can cause people to experience serious medical effects. People with altitude sickness may develop mild, moderate or severe symptoms of low blood oxygen levels. Individuals with low levels of oxygen in the blood may develop a serious complication such as pulmonary edema, which is swelling from fluid in the lungs.

  1. Altitude Sickness

    • People with altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness, may experience less severe symptoms such as light-headedness or dizziness. Headaches and sleeping difficulties may occur with this medical condition. People may notice fatigue and a loss of appetite at high altitudes. Vomiting, nausea and a fast heart rate have been reported with this disorder. People who physically exert themselves at high altitudes may become unusually short of breath. A person's likelihood of developing symptoms of altitude sickness increases as his elevation increases.

    Severe Altitude Sickness

    • People with severe altitude sickness may develop symptoms such as confusion, coughing and coughing up blood. Individuals may notice a bluish skin discoloration, a pale complexion or a gray complexion at high altitudes. Chest tightness and chest congestion may occur and shortness of breath may develop even when an individual is at rest. High-altitude visitors can lose consciousness, may have difficulty walking in a straight line and may not be able to walk at all.

    Treatment

    • Doctors usually recommend that altitude sickness sufferers descend to a lower altitude as quickly and as safely as they can. Patients may receive medical oxygen treatment to increase oxygen levels in the body. Individuals with severe symptoms of acute mountain sickness may require hospitalization. A physician may prescribe a drug such as acetazolamide to people with this condition to stimulate their breathing. This drug may cause increased urination, and users should drink plenty of fluids.

    Prevention

    • People who plan to visit high altitudes may prevent altitude sickness or reduce its medical effects if they properly acclimatize themselves to increases in altitude. High-elevation travelers should increase their altitude gradually. Individuals who are above 8,000 feet in elevation should stop to rest for one or two days after each 2,000 foot increase in altitude, according to the National Institutes of Health. High carbohydrate intake and regular consumption of fluids may help to minimize or prevent altitude sickness.

    Pulmonary Edema

    • Oxygen deficient atmospheres at high altitudes may cause pulmonary edema, a complication of altitude sickness. Pulmonary edema causes an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. People with this condition may develop anxiety, excessive sweating and coughing. Breathing difficulties including feelings of air hunger and grunting sounds during breathing may occur with this disorder. Physicians may treat this condition with oxygen therapy that may include a face mask connected to an oxygen tank, a breathing tube in the trachea or a ventilator.

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