Why do people get short of breath on mountain tops?

Answer 1

The easiest way to describe it is this: at sea level 100 units of air will contain 21 units of oxygen. As you go higher there is less oxygen per unit of air so 100 units of air on Everest may only contain 15 units of oxygen (these aren't accurate figures). The body needs oxygen to respire:

C6H12O6 (aq) + 6O2 (g) → 6CO2 (g) + 6H2O + 36( to 38) ATP

Respiration is the oxidation of glucose to produce energy- ATP. Therefore up higher the body will need to breath more to get the same amount of oxygen inside of the body so it can then respire and produce energy.

Answer 2

People can get short of breath on mountain tops due to the lower oxygen levels at higher elevations. This condition is known as altitude sickness and occurs because the body needs to work harder to take in enough oxygen to support physical activities. It is important to acclimate slowly to higher altitudes to allow the body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels.

Answer 3

In simple terms, there is less oxygen in the air the higher you climb. Plus, climbing in general exherts your body, due to the excercise, causing a higher demand for oxygen in your body.

Answer 4

because of the high altitude, the higher you go, the less oxygyn. Above 8,000 meters is the Death Zone and the air there is 1/3 as 'thick' as it is at sea level.

Answer 5

Because of a lack of oxygen the higher you go into the atmosphere. at a certain point there is not enough air at all and breathing equipment is needed.