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A 28-year-old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: high altitude?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sanjay Agarwalanswered
Pulmonology 28 years experience
High altitude: Simply put, literally, 'high altitude'. As one goes higher than the 'sea level', be it on mountains or aircraft of some sort, the air becomes 'rarer' or 'less denser'. Higher one goes, more likely the loss in density in air, and higher the chances of having breathing complications.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Marybeth Lambeanswered
Travel Medicine 47 years experience
Spaced out Air!: As one ascends through the atmosphere, every breath contains fewer molecules of oxygen. One must work harder to obtain oxygen, by breathing faster and deeper. The % of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is 21%. As altitude increases, the % remains the same but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced. At 12, 000 feet 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath. Your body has to cope!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 12, 2013
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