acclimatization

(noun)

Long-term adjustment to high altitude, which is primarily due to increased red blood cell production and capillary tissue perfusion.

Related Terms

Examples of acclimatization in the following topics:

  • Adjustments at High Altitude

    • The human body can adapt to high altitude through immediate and long-term acclimatization processes.
    • The human body can adapt to high altitude through immediate and long-term acclimatization.
    • Some altitudes are too high for acclimatization to work, and can cause death if people stay there for too long.
    • Acclimatization to high altitude requires days, or even weeks.
    • Staying hydrated during acclimatization is important to minimize altitude sickness symptoms and to counteract increased urination.

  • Hypoxia

    • Acclimatization, the means by which the body adapts to higher altitudes, only partially restores pO2 to standard levels.
    • Studies of miners and astronomers working at 3,000 meters and above show improved alveolar pO2 with full acclimatization, yet the pO2 level remains equal to or even below the threshold for continuous oxygen therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
    • In addition, there are complications involved with acclimatization.