Altitude Sickness and its Causes

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that occurs when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly without giving their bodies enough time to acclimatize. It can occur at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) and is more common in men than women.

Prime Cause of Altitude Sickness: Decreased Partial Pressure of Oxygen

The correct answer to the question is option 'C': decreased partial pressure of oxygen. When ascending to high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases, resulting in a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen. This decrease in oxygen availability is the prime cause of altitude sickness in men.

Explanation:
When we ascend to higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases due to the reduced density of air molecules. As a result, the partial pressure of oxygen also decreases. This decrease in oxygen availability has several effects on the body, leading to altitude sickness.

Hypoxia and its Effects

Hypoxia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the body tissues. At high altitudes, the decreased partial pressure of oxygen causes hypoxia, which can have various effects on the body, including:

1. Decreased Oxygen Saturation: The decreased availability of oxygen leads to lower oxygen saturation in the blood. This means that less oxygen is being carried by hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

2. Increased Heart Rate: To compensate for the reduced oxygen levels, the body tries to increase the delivery of oxygen to tissues by increasing the heart rate. This can lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

3. Shortness of Breath: The body's response to hypoxia includes an increased respiratory rate, which can result in shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

4. Headache and Dizziness: Altitude sickness often presents with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness. These symptoms are caused by the inadequate oxygen supply to the brain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prime cause of altitude sickness in men is the decreased partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. This decrease in oxygen availability leads to hypoxia, which can result in various symptoms including decreased oxygen saturation, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and headache. It is important for individuals to acclimatize properly and ascend slowly to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.