<P> Dehydration due to the higher rate of water vapor lost from the lungs at higher altitudes may contribute to the symptoms of altitude sickness . </P> <P> The rate of ascent, altitude attained, amount of physical activity at high altitude, as well as individual susceptibility, are contributing factors to the onset and severity of high - altitude illness . </P> <P> Altitude sickness usually occurs following a rapid ascent and can usually be prevented by ascending slowly . In most of these cases, the symptoms are temporary and usually abate as altitude acclimatization occurs . However, in extreme cases, altitude sickness can be fatal . </P> <P> At high altitude, 1,500 to 3,500 metres (4,900 to 11,500 ft), the onset of physiological effects of diminished inspiratory oxygen pressure (PiO) includes decreased exercise performance and increased ventilation (lower arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide - PCO). While arterial oxygen transport may be only slightly impaired the arterial oxygen saturation, SaO, generally stays above 90% . Altitude sickness is common between 2,400 and 4,000 m because of the large number of people who ascend rapidly to these altitudes . </P>

Rapid ascent to high altitude will result in
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