Question

Altitude sickness among travellers visiting Leh, Ladakh is very common. It is very important to manage
the symptoms, as severe altitude sickness can be very dangerous and in extremely rare conditions, even
fatal.
#. Give reasons for altitude sickness in Leh, ladakh in J & K and Ooty in Tamil Nadu.
#. Analyze the Cardiopulmonary function in high altitude residents of Ladakh and Ooty
#. List the adaptation methods to sustain life in these regions.

Answer 1

#Acute mountain sickness is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The faster you climb to a high altitude, the more likely you will get acute mountain sickness. The best way to prevent altitude illness is to ascend gradually.

#Stroke volume falls during the first week at altitude and then tends to stabilize. During more chronic altitude exposure, maximal cardiac output falls, and the maximum rate of oxygen consumption remains reduced.

#During acclimatization over a few days to weeks, the body produces more red blood cells to counteract the lower oxygen saturation in blood in high altitudes. Full adaptation to high altitude is achieved when the increase of red blood cells reaches a plateau and stops.