What is the role of oxygen in altitude illness management?

• A. Oxygen therapy is contraindicated.
• B. Oxygen should be considered only if there is a cardiac condition.
• C. Oxygen therapy is used to treat hypoxia in altitude illness.
• D. Oxygen cures altitude illness instantly.

Answer: (C)

Oxygen helps by correcting the low oxygen levels that come with being at high altitude. At high elevations, the air has less oxygen, so the body can become hypoxic. Supplying supplemental oxygen raises the amount of oxygen available for the lungs to absorb, which improves blood oxygen saturation and delivery to the brain and tissues. This relief of hypoxia can reduce symptoms like shortness of breath, headache, and fatigue and is especially important if there are signs of more serious altitude illness.

The idea is not that oxygen is a cure-all or that it works instantly; it buys time and comfort while arranging descent or further treatment. In more severe cases, higher oxygen flow is used to keep SpO2 in a safe range as part of the care plan.

So the best answer is that oxygen therapy is used to treat hypoxia in altitude illness.