Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world which is also a favorite climbing destination. But not everyone can survive, especially in the 'death zone' which is at an altitude of 8,000 meters above sea level. Mount Everest has a height of 8,848 meters above sea level.
In 2019, at least 11 people died on Everest, mostly in the 'Death Zone' area. The following are things that can happen when climbing Mount Everest in the 'Death Zone', according to Science Alert.
1. Hard to breathe
At sea level, air contains 21% oxygen. However, above 12,000 feet or 3,657 meters, it is estimated that the oxygen molecules drop by 40% per breath.
Some say, climbing Mount Everest is very difficult to breathe. It's like running on a treadmill and breathing through a straw.
2. The body adapts
Being in a field that is far different from everyday life makes the body need to adapt. First, hemoglobin becomes increased production. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.
But, too much hemoglobin is not good. This can make it difficult to pump blood around the body. The blood becomes thicker which leads to an increased risk of stroke and other diseases.
There is also the condition of high altiture pulmonary edema (HAPE) that often occurs. HAPE is a buildup of fluid in the lungs that causes organ function disorders.
3. The brain swells
One of the biggest risk factors at 26,000 feet is hypoxia, a lack of adequate oxygen circulation to organs like the brain. If the brain doesn't get enough oxygen, it can start to swell, causing a condition called high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
This swelling can trigger nausea, vomiting, and difficulty thinking and reasoning. A brain deprived of oxygen can cause climbers to forget where they are and experience delirium, which some experts consider a form of high-altitude psychosis.
4. And other risks...
There will be many difficulties faced when climbing Mount Everest, especially in the 'Death Zone'. There, people can experience weight loss, temporary loss of sight, to vomiting and insomnia.
Therefore, you can be sure that people who want to climb Mount Everest must have good physical abilities. How about you, interested in climbing Mount Everest?