Question

How does a slower and deeper breathing pattern, larger lung volume, and higher percent hemoglobin saturation help people adapt to high altitudes?

I think that slow deep breathing would help conserve energy and that a greater lung volume could help increase SA so there would be more efficient gas exchange. I am not sure if this is correct. I also am confused about how a greater % Hb saturation would help people adapt to high altitudes.

Answer 1

In the low atmospheric pressure of high altitudes, the body does not get enough oxygen. When the pressure is lower, there are fewer molecules including oxygen is present. So there is less oxygen to breathe.

The body compensates low oxygen availability,

1.By increasing RBC production to carry more oxygen.

2.By increasing the binding affinity of oxygen

3.The lungs increases in size to facilitate the osmosis of oxygen and carbondioxide.

4.Slow deep breathing - It improves blood oxygenation, It also improves efficiency of ventilation by increasing alveolar and reducing dead space ventilation.

The percentage of oxygen saturation in the hemoglobin determines the the content of oxygen in the blood.