To begin with, I would like to talk about altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness. I will define altitude sickness, talk about the symptoms, how to prevent it and how to treat it. I will then talk about the possible consequences of untreated altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a disease that can be contracted by ascending too quickly above sea level without acclimatizing to the decreased oxygen levels. Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness, is caused by exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower than at sea level. Due to the lower pressure, the air expands as it rises, which cools it, so the air at high altitudes is cold. Normally, the human body can adapt to high altitude by breathing faster, having a higher heart rate, and adjusting blood chemistry. However, above 8,000 meters (26,000 feet), acclimatization to altitude becomes almost impossible. There are two categories of altitude sickness: Mild to moderate and severe. Some of the symptoms of mild to moderate altitude sickness may include: • Difficulty sleeping • Dizziness or dizziness • Fatigue • Headache • Loss of appetite • Nausea or vomiting • Rapid pulse (heart rate) • Shortness of breath when 'exertionSymptoms that may occur with more severe acute mountain sickness include:• Blue color of the skin (cyanosis)• Chest tightness or congestion• Confusion• Coughing• coughing up blood• Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interactions• Complexion gray or pale • Unable to walk in a straight line, or at all. • Shortness of breath at rest. There are also certain risk factors that make you more susceptible to altitude sickness. Some of these risk factors are: • If you...... middle of paper ...... such as the heart, major blood vessels and airways) to the other side of the chest. This change can cause the other lung to become compressed and affect blood flow returning to the heart. This situation can lead to low blood pressure, shock and death. Symptoms of a tension pneumothorax • Sudden chest pain • Shortness of breath • Chest tightness • Easy fatigue • Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen • Rapid heart rate • Low blood pressure • Decreased mental alertness • Decreased consciousness • Rapid breathing • Prominent (distended) veins in the neck Tension pneumothorax requires immediate attention. A needle or chest tube should be inserted into the chest cavity to release pressure as quickly as possible. If an evacuation is expected to take a long time, you may need to complete this procedure yourself. However, this is not recommended.