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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Will An Elevated Area Cause Problems For One With COPD And Breathlessness?

I have moderate copd. I am 76 yrs old. I live at sea level in a tropical climate with high humidity. I plan to travel to an area at 5,000 ft elevation, and moderate climate. Will I have more trouble breathing? (At home, I do not require oxygen, but have shortness of breath with activity)
Fri, 24 Oct 2014
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
Yes, you may have breathing difficulty at that level.
Usually at sea level oxygen concentration in air is around 21%. And it is sufficient for humans.
But when we are going towards high altitude, this oxygen concentration decreases gradually. And this decremental oxygen can cause breathing difficulties even in normal individuals. So COPD patient will definitely face low oxygen related breathing difficulties.
Better to achive good control of COPD. Start deep breathing exercise. And SOS you may require oxygen at 5000 feet.
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Will An Elevated Area Cause Problems For One With COPD And Breathlessness?

Thanks for your question on HCM. Yes, you may have breathing difficulty at that level. Usually at sea level oxygen concentration in air is around 21%. And it is sufficient for humans. But when we are going towards high altitude, this oxygen concentration decreases gradually. And this decremental oxygen can cause breathing difficulties even in normal individuals. So COPD patient will definitely face low oxygen related breathing difficulties. Better to achive good control of COPD. Start deep breathing exercise. And SOS you may require oxygen at 5000 feet.