Importance of Oxygen Concentrator for Altitude Sickness

The sport of mountaineering

Who doesn’t like the thrill of mountaineering? Ascending to the highest point of preferably high, difficult to climb or yet unclimbed mountains and creating history is in itself a breathtaking experience for the brave mountaineers. 

Depending on whether the topography is full of snow, rock or ice, the techniques of the adventure differ. 

There are many instances of the mountaineer to bear through all of the odds in extreme conditions at higher altitudes after a long wilderness hike. This kinds of mountaineering entails years of experience, advanced equipment, athletic ability, and technical knowledge. Yet, safety can seldom be assured.

What is Altitude Sickness?

The lack of oxygen in the air and dropped pressure of air at higher altitudes cause Altitude Sickness. 

It becomes even harder or more tough for people who has suffered from specific medical conditions such as a lung disease who already have a difficult time breathing. 

While making the way up to higher altitudes at a very slow pace, the body gets enough time to adapt. On the other hand, if the person tries to ascend quickly or at a fast speed, there’s a chance he or she falls prey to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). 

The initial symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In the severe condition, the person develops bluish color on the skin called cyanosis, gets confused, and becomes dizzy and starts coughing up blood. Unless proper treatment is given quickly, AMS can be proved fatal from the fluid that built up in the lungs.

Oxygen Concentrators- the Survival Kit

In most common circumstances, oxygen concentrators are used for the treatment of severe lung conditions. As the mountain climber or deep-sea diver proceeds to the higher altitude or dive deeper into the sea, the oxygen concentrator in the air starts to increase or decrease.

Since at the higher altitudes the density of oxygen is reduced in the air, mountaineers use portable oxygen concentrators. 

Importance of Having a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The most convenient option for the mountaineers is the oxygen concentrator. They are way more convenient for the travelers as they don’t need oxygen tanks. Mountaineers or travelers aiming for higher altitudes shouldn’t carry a burden of oxygen tanks and consistently worry about refilling or changing them whenever they go empty. 

Thus, oxygen concentrator will also help to save a few bucks in the long run because it doesn’t require refilling any tanks. These concentrators filter pure oxygen from the air around enabling the person to breathe in some fresh air each time. However, before purchasing an oxygen concentrator, getting a doctor’s prescription is mandatory. 

The lighter weight makes a portable oxygen concentrator more convenient and hassle-free for the climber. It can be worn comfortably in a backpack, making it perfectly-featured while traveling or climbing at higher altitudes. Portable oxygen concentrators are designed in such a way it doesn’t stop working even at 13,000 or more above the sea-level. As per a recent report, the portable oxygen concentrator market is going to elevate at a profitable rate during upcoming years.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.