Effect of Moderately High Altitude on The Pattern of Lung Disease

In high altitude areas, inspired atmospheric oxygen decreases proportionally to the vertical distance from sea level. Population in these areas acquire some adaptive mechanisms to cope with the relatively hypoxic environment. This study compares populations who live in highland areas (2500 meters above sea level) with those in lowland areas (close to sea level). No differences were observed in the prevalence or mortality rate of respiratory diseases between these two groups. It is concluded that even if adaptive mechanisms can be observed in dwellers of moderately high altitude (<3000 m above sea level), such altitude does not adversely affect the pattern of respiratory disease in these populations. However, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) tends to be lower in individuals of high altitude areas, leading to marked oxygen desaturation when such individuals encounter a significant respiratory illness. Physicians are advised to introduce early and effective therapeutic measures before such deterioration occurs.