Altitude Illness I
Altitude illness refers to the various symptoms that often develop when you travel to high altitude (over 8000 ft.). Physical conditioning will not necessarily protect you from developing mountain sickness, but proper acclimatization often reduces your risk. Acclimatization is the process by which the body slowly adapts to the decreasing availability of oxygen at altitude. This process is slow and takes several days to weeks to occur.
Acclimatization to AltitudeWhen you travel to high altitude it is common to notice a faster breathing rate, shortness of breath upon exertion, increased urination, broken sleep and even some strange dreams.
These changes are a normal response to the decreased availability of oxygen in the atmosphere. To get all the oxygen you need you will find you have to breathe faster.
Even with a faster breathing rate it is difficult to get adequate oxygen to the working muscles. You will likely find that you fatigue much sooner at altitude.