What happens to climbers in the death zone?

- Fluid accumulates in the brain, leading to swelling and increased pressure.

- Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness.

- If untreated, HACE can be fatal.

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)

- Fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and fatigue.

- Symptoms can worsen rapidly and can lead to respiratory failure.

- If untreated, HAPE can be fatal.

Hypothermia

- The body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a drop in core body temperature.

- Symptoms include shivering, confusion, drowsiness, and loss of coordination.

- Hypothermia can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Frostbite

- Occurs when body tissues freeze and are damaged.

- Symptoms include numbness, pain, swelling, and discoloration of the affected area.

- Frostbite can lead to tissue damage and amputation.

Altitude sickness

- A general term used to describe the symptoms experienced by climbers at high altitudes.

- Symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping.

- Altitude sickness usually goes away within a few days as the body adjusts to the high altitude.

Risk factors for altitude sickness

- Increased altitude: The higher the altitude, the greater the risk of altitude sickness.

- Rapid ascent: Ascending too quickly can increase the risk of altitude sickness.

- Personal factors: Some people are more susceptible to altitude sickness than others. Factors that can increase the risk include:

- Age: Older people are more likely to experience altitude sickness.

- Gender: Women are more likely to experience altitude sickness than men.

- Medical conditions: People with heart, lung, or respiratory conditions are more likely to experience altitude sickness.

- Medications: Some medications can increase the risk of altitude sickness.

- Alcohol and drug use: Alcohol and drug use can worsen altitude sickness.