STRENUOUS ACTIVITY, ALTITUDE AND ALTITUDE SICKNESS

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

When he is climbing the mountain:

STRENUOUS ACTIVITY

INCREASED LUNG VENTILATION

 Aerobic training results in a more efficient and improved lung ventilation.

Lung ventilation is increased because of increased tidal volume and respiratory frequency.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

INCREASED MAXIMUM OXYGEN UPTAKE

Maximum oxygen uptake is improved as a result of aerobic training – it can be improved between 5 to 30 %.

Improvements are a result of:- Increases in cardiac output- Increase number of red blood cells- Oxygen uptake difference

- Muscle capillarisation- Greater oxygen extraction by muscles

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

INCREASED ANAEROBIC OR LACTATETHRESHOLD

Lactate threshold changes as a result of endurance training.

As a result of improved oxygen delivery & utilization, a higher lactate threshold (the point where oxygen supply cannot keep up with oxygen demand) is developed.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Changes during Exercise 

-Blood flow/min is increased from 5L/min to about 25-30L/min.-The total amount of oxygen entering the lungs increases from 250ml/min at rest to about 4000ml/min.-Carbon dioxide removal increases from 200ml/min to about 8000ml/min.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Heart rate increaseStroke volume increaseCardiac output increaseBlood flow-blood are shunted away from

major organs such as kidney, liver, stomach, intestine

Blood pressure increaseThe difference in oxygen content of arterial

and venous blood increase

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

When he reached the highest peak:

ALTITUDE

Size of lungs increase to facilitate the osmosis  of oxygen and carbon dioxide. 

Increase in the vascular network of muscles which enhances the transfer of gases.

Increase in breathing and heart rate.Pulse rate and blood pressure increase as our

hearts pump harder to get more oxygen to the cells. 

Change in oxygen affinity of blood.The rate of miscarriages is usually higher at

altitudes above two miles because fetuses receive less oxygen from their mothers.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The circulatory system cannot work as efficiently, because there is less oxygen and carbon dioxide

Heart rate increaseDilation of coronary arteriesCardiac contractility increase After being at a high altitude for a long time,

the body will adapt. It will produce more red blood cells so that it

can pick up more oxygen, since less oxygen is carried by each haemoglobin at high altitudes.

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

ALTITUDE SICKNESS AND THE TREATMENTS

AMS usually occurs above 8,000 ft. (2,400 m)It is caused by reduced air pressure and

lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.The symptoms of AMS are sleeping difficulty,

dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, rapid pulse (heart rate) and shortness of breath with exertion.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

HACE has occurred from 10,000 ft. and above.

It occurs when AMS is overlooked and thus brain swelling increases.

In extreme cases, death can result. The symptoms of HACE are imbalance,

severe headache, vomiting, nausea, and hallucinations.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

HAPE has occurred from 8,000 ft. and above It occurs when excessive blood pressure causes fluid to

leak from the blood vessels into the alveoli sacs of the lungs.

The body compensates by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, thereby forcing more fluid into the lungs.

The fluid in the lungs blocks the oxygen-blood interface.If altitude is not decreased, the victim drowns because no

oxygen reaches the lung/capillary interface.The symptoms of HAPE are difficulty in breathing,

gurgling sound in lungs, fever, coughing, and exhaustion

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Descend to lower altitude or stay at current altitude to see if his or her body adjusts

Give aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for headache

Give oxygen, if availableAvoid narcotics/smokingKeep the person warm and have him or her

restGive plenty of liquids (but not alcohol)

Treatments for Altitude Sickness(AMS)

Descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible. Even a 1,000-2,000 feet (305-610 m) descent can dramatically improve one's symptoms.

Oxygen therapy . If available, the patient can be placed in a Gamow bag, which is a portable high-pressure bag that increases oxygen tension and may stabilize the patient.

Use of medications such as:-Dexamethasone (steroid) that reduces swelling of the

brain.-Diamox that signals the brain to breathe more by

correcting the imbalance chemical in the blood.-Nifedipine that decreases the narrowing of the

artery that supplies blood to the lungs and help to reduce chest tightness.

Treatments for Altitude Sickness(HAPE AND HACE)

Gamow bag

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