High altitude, specific to locations higher than 8,000 feet above sea level, can create a multitude of health problems when individuals are not accustomed to the difference in oxygen levels. According to MedlinePlus, the air pressure drops which contributes to a lack of oxygen. This lack of oxygen results in severe symptoms relating to illnesses of the heart and other metabolic functions.
Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute mountain sickness, or AMS, develops anywhere from 6,300 feet to about 9,700 feet above sea level. Symptoms, as reported by MedlinePlus, include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, hypertension and a loss of appetite. As symptoms worsen, the individual may experience bluing of the lips and extremities, congestion, chest pains, periods of unconsciousness, changes that make the complexion appear gray and coughing up of blood. This condition is not uncommon among climbers, hikers, skiers and visitors to mountainous areas.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema
High altitude cerebral edema, or HACE, is a mild to serious condition in which the brain begins to swell. The International Society for Mountain Medicine says that this condition can be fatal is the delivery of oxygen is not made readily available and the individual does not descend from the location immediately. Symptoms associated with HACE include confusion, changes in behavior and general malaise. In the more severe forms, however, ataxia may develop. Ataxia is a condition that leads to a change in the ability to walk a straight line or stand without coordination problems. Descent from the area is especially important.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
High altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE, can be quite serious. This condition results from the retention of fluid in the lungs and can result in congestive heart failure. Outdoor Action at Princeton University says that symptoms accompanying HAPE include headaches, ataxia, unconsciousness, memory loss, hallucinations, psychotic episodes in behavior and possibly coma or death. Confusion can result from the lack of sufficient oxygen in the brain followed by feelings of suffocation particularly at night, a persistent cough, and the coughing up of white, frothy fluid. Again, descent from the area is especially important to alleviate symptoms.
