Part 1. Prevention of Altitude Sickness Adults
Part 2. Identify pathophysiology changes related to the age range and topic/disease.
The lungs response to altitude is hyperventilation. The heart increases the rate to try and get oxygen to all the tissues of the body (Cogo 2011).The partial pressure decreases the lungs natural peep and ability to maintain adequate oxygenation. The body tries to adapt to this change by increasing the tidal volume and increasing the rate of breath (Cogo 2011). Due to the hypoxemia the body is experiencing there is an increase of pulmonary artery pressure with endothelial permeability. This may lead, but is not predictive, to pulmonary edema (Cogo, 2011).
Identify how the changes might be affected using naturopathic medicine (research article).
The naturopathic is a great source of information for the prevention of Altitude sickness. This practice supports the medicinal use of herbs and supplements that would support the patient as prevent the symptoms that might be evoked in a patient traveling to a high altitude. The recommendations include: Garlic, Reishi mushrooms and Ginkgo biloba – these herbs are traditionally used in Naturopathic/ herbal medicine to improve oxygenation of the peripheries Rhodiola and Tienchi Ginseng – herbs used to improve athletic stamina, reduce fatigue, improve performance and endurance and may help to protect against hypoxia. Antioxidant supplementation (Vitamin A, Vitamin E, CoQ10) – may help to reduce inflammation caused by exercising and to improve respiratory function (Bailey and Davies 2001).
Reference:
Bailey DM, Davies B. Acute mountain sickness; prophylactic benefits of antioxidant vitamin supplementation at high altitude.High Alt Med Biol 2001 Spring;2(1):21-9