Question

What is high altitude sickness? Write its symptoms.

Answer 1

Some people on moving to higher altitudes start developing discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, physical distress etc. This plethora of symptoms constitute high altitude sickness. It is the discomfort caused by difficulty in adapting to the lower oxygen pressure in high altitude areas. The majority of cases of altitude sickness are minor, but some can be fatal.

Complete answer:
High altitude sickness is also known as mountain sickness and is generally regarded as the group of symptoms that are observed in the body when any person travels to higher altitudes.
These symptoms are more common in people who have problems of hypertension, asthma etc.
If you travel at high altitudes without allowing your body to adjust to the new altitude, you may experience altitude sickness. The symptoms are headache and nausea. If you return to a smaller elevation, your symptoms may disappear without treatment. Mountain sickness can be life-threatening.
Individuals who have the following conditions are more prone to altitude sickness –
1. Hypertension
2. Heart problem
3. Respiratory diseases
4. Hypersensitivity
5. Pregnant ladies
6. People who previously had altitude sickness
Symptoms of altitude sickness –
1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3. Nausea
4. Breathlessness
5. Shortness of breath
6. Loss of appetite
7. Muscle weakness
8. Pulmonary edema
In general altitude sickness is observed when individuals are at an altitude of about $12000$ feet or higher. Altitude sickness can again be mild or moderate or severe.

Note:
Climbers are at risk of suffering from altitude sickness (also known as altitude sickness), which can be dangerous or even fatal if ignored. This is because the climbing speed is too fast and the body does not have enough time to adjust. Due to the decrease in oxygen content and changes in air pressure, low-pressure hypoxia (lack of oxygen reaching the body tissues) can also result. In severe cases, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, brain, or both at sea level) Altitude sickness is unlikely, but possible. Acute altitude sickness may occur after staying above $2,000m$ altitude for at least $4$ hours. Rising to altitudes above $2,500m$ can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches and vomiting.