Acclimatization to altitude
- Acclimatization to altitude
- The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too fast. Given time, the body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen concentration at a specific altitude, process known as acclimatization. To acclimatize, a number of changes take place in the body occur to allow it to operate with decreased oxygen: The depth of respiration increases; The pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases, forcing blood into portions of the lung which are normally not used at sea level; We make more red blood cells to carry oxygen; We make more of a specific substance (called 2,4-DPG)that facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues. Acclimatization generally takes 1 to 3 days at a given altitude. For example, if a person hikes to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and spends several days at that altitude, their body acclimatizes to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). If the person then climbs to 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), the body needs to acclimatize once again and it takes another 1 to 3 days.
Medical dictionary.
2011.
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Acclimatization — is the process of an organism adjusting to chronic change in its environment, often involving temperature, moisture, food, often relating to seasonal climate changes. (In laboratory conditions, this process is controlled to one variable change… … Wikipedia
Altitude illness — 1. Altitude illness (or altitude sickness) is a disorder caused by being at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). The cause of altitude illness is a matter of oxygen physiology. At sea level the concentration of… … Medical dictionary
Altitude sickness — 1. Altitude sickness (or altitude illness) is a disorder caused by being at high altitude. It more commonly occurs above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). The cause of altitude illness is a matter of oxygen physiology. At sea level the concentration of… … Medical dictionary
acclimatization — ac·cli·ma·ti·za·tion (ə klī mə tĭ zāʹshən) n. The physiological adaptation of an animal or plant to changes in climate or environment, such as light, temperature, or altitude. * * * Any of numerous gradual, long term responses of an individual… … Universalium
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Altitude, acclimatization to — Adjustment to changes in altitude. The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too fast. Given time, the body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen concentration at a specific altitude, process known as acclimatization. To acclimatize, a… … Medical dictionary
Altitude — For other uses, see Altitude (disambiguation). Not to be confused with Attitude. Altitude or height is defined based on the context in which it is used (aviation, geometry, geographical survey, sport, and more). As a general definition, altitude… … Wikipedia
altitude acclimatization — prisitaikymas prie slėgio lygio statusas T sritis Gynyba apibrėžtis Lėtas organizmo prisitaikymas prie slėgio, ilgesnį laiką būnant žemo atmosferos slėgio sąlygomis. atitikmenys: angl. altitude acclimatization pranc. accoutumance à l’altitude … NATO terminų aiškinamasis žodynas
altitude sickness — Pathol. a condition affecting some persons at high altitudes, caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood and characterized by dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. [1915 20] * * * or mountain sickness Acute reaction to a change from low… … Universalium
acclimatization — Physiological adjustment of an individual to a different climate, especially to a change in environmental temperature or altitude. SYN: acclimation. * * * ac·cli·ma·ti·za·tion (ə kli″mə tĭ zaґshən) acclimation … Medical dictionary
