Page 244 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

f. High Altitude Sickness
Atmospheric pressure decreases as we go upwards
from the sea level. In high altitude, our body cannot
get sufficient oxygen necessary for respiration. As a
result, our brain gets adverse effect due to the lack of
adequate oxygen required for breathing. The situation
of our body characterized by nuasea, rapid heart beat,
difficulty in breathing, headache, etc. as we climb up
high altitude is called high altitude sickness. Generally,
high altitude sickness occurs at the place above 8,000 Fig: 13
feet from the sea level.

Signs and Symptoms
a. Fatigue and insomnia with headache, nausea, dizziness and vomitting
b. Difficulty in moving due to lack of neuro-muscular coordination

c. Short breathing with rapid pulse rate and heart beat
d. Fainting followed by severe headache
e. Bleeding from nose in severe condition

First Aid to High Altitude Sickness
a. Climbing up is stopped if someone gets feeling of nausea and dizziness while
climbing high altitude.

b. If the condition of patient gets worsen, lower him/her at least 500 m downward.
c. The patient is consoled and kept confortably for rest.
d. Oxygen is provided to the victim if it is possible.

e. The victim should be provided with hot drink.
f. The patient is taken to the hospital or health centre for treatment in serious case.

g. Heat Stroke
Generally, heat stroke occurs due to exposure of our body to extreme heat in very hot
places for a long time. The condition of body in which the body temperature rises rapidly
without the ability of cooling down due to overheating of body is called heat stroke. Heat
stroke can damage our vital organs like brain, heart, eyes, etc. As a result, the victim may
be unconscious.

Signs and Symptoms
a. Headache, dizziness and vomiting
b. Rapid pulse rate

244 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10