Will A Change in Elevation Affect Breathing?

Question

If someone in New Orleans goes to Denver, will they have trouble breathing? What about the other way around?

Answer 1

Well when you move to a higher altitude, there is less oxygen in the air.  This is because oxygen molecules are rather heavy and tend to sit at lower altitudes.  To compensate for the lack of oxygen (very minor), your body will increase breathing to keep the same level of oxygen in the blood.

So for someone in New Orleans, they might be a little less energetic or slightly light headed when engaging in strenuous activity in Denver.  However, your body acclimates rather quickly to the new altitude.

Going down in altitude has no real negative effect.  More oxygen is good!

Answer 2

The effect is negligible because the difference is less than 5,000 feet.  The effect of altitude affects each individual differently but these are the general guidelines:

5,000 feet:  Loss of night vision

10,000:  Mild hypoxia may occur after 30 minutes.

13,000:  Hypoxia may occur without supplementary oxygen.

20,000:  Hypoxia may occur even when using an oxygen mask.

Answer 3

take it from a dino

breathing is overrated anyways

hugs!

Answer 4

Yes, but only for a little bit.  When I arrived in Denver, I found myself gasping for breath for about 10-15 minutes.  The air is much more pure and the elevation is a lot higher.  Once you are able to sustain the air, you'll never want to leave.

Answer 5

they will get more winded doing the same thing in denver that they did in new orleans. take it easy. it affects more than breathing... ie nosebleeds. if you travel from denver straight to the rockies after coming from new orleans... be prepared to get winded climbing simple stairs. give it a couple days to get used to the altitude. can affect breathing and pschology as well. look up acute mountain sickness

Answer 6

Not actual trouble breathing.  You might feel you need extra sleep the first couple days.  I've been to Avon near Vail.  I got the best sleep of my life my first day there.  Then my body got used to the change and I was fine.  

Coincidentally, I was there visiting a friend who was originally from NOLA.  She traveled back and forth alot to visit family.  She said it didnt' bother her much after awhile.