High altitude deterioration

Abstract

High altitude deterioration means a gradual diminution in man’s capacity to do work at great heights. This is associated with insomnia, lack of appetite, loss of weight and increasing lethargy. These symptoms appear after a prolonged stay above 18000 ft. and there is great individual variation. Man would deteriorate after a time at these heights even under the best con­ditions: if he is doing hard work and is subjected to many strains, mental and physical, other factors are brought to bear which will aggravate this basic state. Such factors are illness, exhaustion, starvation and dehydration. Symptoms similar to those of deterioration, but more acute in onset, appear if man goes too quickly to high altitudes without first acclimatizing. These symptoms of acute mountain sickness disappear if the subject returns to lower levels for some time. If he goes to moderate heights when acclimatizing he will be able to stay for reasonably long periods without undue trouble. Exhaustion at high altitudes is often only cured by coming down to lower levels, as above a certain height there seems to be little or no recovery.

High-altitude illnesses: Old stories and new insights into the pathophysiology, treatment and prevention

“… 105 Above this altitude, deterioration with catabolism and organ dysfunctions seem to limit complete adaptation and permanent or long-lasting residence. [106] , [107] , [108] It is to be noted that the above-mentioned statements and limitations are not intended to distract from the fact that acclimatization is the most important determinant in the preparation and execution of a safe, successful and joyful journey to high altitudes.…”

Prolonged Sojourn at Very High Altitude Decreases Sea-Level Anaerobic Performance, Anaerobic Threshold, and Fat Mass

“…Prolonged exposure to altitude not only involves the “positive changes” of acclimatization, but also “negative changes” of high-altitude deterioration that affect physical and mental condition ( Ward, 1954 ; West et al, 2007 ). These deleterious effects include impaired physical performance ( Cerretelli and di Prampero, 1985 ; Hoppeler et al, 1990a ; Cerretelli, 1992 ), recovery from fatigue ( Milledge et al, 1977 ), disturbed sleep ( Weil and White, 2001 ), cognitive disorders ( Raichle and Hornbein, 2001 ), and weight loss ( Boyer and Blume, 1984 ).…”

Transcriptional profiling in the livers of rats after hypobaric hypoxia exposure

“…The positive aspects of high altitude acclimatization most notably decrease susceptibility to acute mountain sickness. However, the less well-understood aspect of high altitude deterioration is characterized by AMS symptoms including lethargy, fatigue and muscle wasting after prolonged exposure to extreme high altitude (>5,500 meter) (Ward, 1954). However, hypoxia is not only stress encountered at high altitude (Weil, Glassner & Bosco 3rd, 2007).…”