Why do people have problems breathing at higher altitudes?

Answer 1

At high altitude the oxygen levels are lower. In order to supply the same amount of oxygen to your body you need to breath harder. The increased breathing causes you to also breath out more carbon dioxide which causes the blood to get less acidic. After a few days the kidneys can compensate and restore a normal pH.

Answer 2

Most nose bleeds occur within the lower end of the nose in the lower septum. The septum is the semi-rigid wall separating the two channels of the nose that contain blood vessels. These blood vessels lie close to the surface, making them susceptible to injury. Lower nose bleeds do not usually require medical attention unless the bleeding cannot be stopped or it happens in the very young.

Answer 3

It affects the respiratory system due to the less amount of air as a mountain climber, for example, goes higher and higher. The more high altitude the reach, less oxygen is available, so he has more difficulty to breathe. If he doesn't count on a cylinder of oxygen to help him to breathe, his heart increases its heartbeat more and more thus leading to a heart failure and consequent death. If that person is used to live on high altitudes, his red blood cells is naturally increased and he can go to high altitudes without the help of oxygen, but even for those persons there is a limit.

Answer 4

Because the air is thinner, and in thinner air there is less oxygen.