Can You Breathe at 10,000 Feet?
At 10,000 feet, the air is thinner than at ground level. This can lead to difficulty breathing due to the decreased amount of oxygen available. In order to breathe easier at this altitude, it is important to understand a few things about the air.
Atmospheric Pressure Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above us. As we climb in elevation, atmospheric pressure decreases. At 10,000 feet, the atmospheric pressure is only about 80% of sea level pressure. This means there is less oxygen available in the air compared to ground level.
Atmospheric Composition The atmosphere consists mostly of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). While these percentages remain constant at all elevations, the decreased atmospheric pressure at high altitudes means there is less oxygen available for us to breathe.
Altitude Sickness Altitude sickness is a condition caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To prevent altitude sickness, it is important to acclimatize to the higher elevation slowly.
How to Breathe Easier To make breathing easier at 10,000 feet, it is important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. In addition, you can use supplemental oxygen if available.
