10 Causes of Lightheadedness
7. High Altitudes
Travelers that ascend to high elevations may experience breathtaking views, literally. Acute mountain sickness is a medical condition that may cause uncomfortable symptoms, including lightheadedness. It turns out that oxygen levels fall steadily at increasing altitudes and the barometric pressure of the air is lower. Both of these conditions, make it harder (less efficient) for your lungs to take in oxygen. In response to low oxygen in the blood, the body stimulates hyperventilation or deep and fast breathing. This increases the blood’s pH by causing a decrease in the normal amount of CO2 in the blood (hypocapnia).
Hyperventilation can lead to metabolic disturbances, such as respiratory alkalosis, which causes the main signs and symptoms of altitude sickness. These include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, headache, an increased heart rate, among others. Thankfully, most people can adapt through a process known as acclimatization that involves the kidneys and the bone marrow.
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