Toubkal Altitude Sickness (TAS) is a medical condition that can occur when an individual ascends to high elevations, such as when climbing Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. TAS occurs when the body is unable to adjust to the decreased atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes, resulting in a lack of oxygen.
Technically, an ascent of Toubkal is classified as a very high altitude zone. Altitude is defined on the following scale: High-Altitude Classification of Zones
- High: 2,500–3,500 meters
- Very High: 3,500–5,500 meters
- Extremely High: 5,500+ meters
No specific factors, such as age, sex, or physical condition, can be used to predict susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some get it, and others simply don’t. Most people can go up to 2,500 meters without significant discomfort.
What causes altitude sickness? Toubkal Altitude
Air at sea level comprises about 21% oxygen, while the barometric pressure averages about 1 bar (1000 mbar). As altitude increases, the oxygen concentration remains the same, but since the pressure falls, the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced.
At 3,500 metres the barometric pressure is only about 630 mbar (depending on weather conditions), so there are roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath. In order then to supply adequate amounts of oxygen to your body your breathing rate – even while resting – must increase.
This extra breathing increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, but not to sea level volumes. Since the amount of oxygen required for activity is the same, the body must adjust itself to cope with less oxygen. This process is known as acclimatisation. Failure to give your body the opportunity to undergo this process may lead to a dangerous condition known as AMS, or acute mountain sickness.
The primary cause of TAS is the decreased barometric pressure at higher altitudes. As the altitude increases, the air pressure drops, reducing the amount of oxygen available in the air. This causes the body to work harder to breathe and circulate oxygen-rich blood to essential organs.
TAS can be further exacerbated by the following factors:
- Rapid ascent: Climbing too quickly can prevent the body from gradually adapting to the decreasing oxygen levels.
- Physical exertion: Strenuous activity at high altitudes can increase the demand for oxygen.
- Individual susceptibility: Some individuals are more prone to altitude sickness than others, due to genetic factors or underlying health conditions.
- Dehydration: Inadequate hydration can worsen altitude sickness by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery.
- Altitude: The higher the altitude, the more severe the symptoms of TAS can be. Mount Toubkal, which has a summit elevation of 4,167 meters, is considered high enough to pose a significant risk of altitude sickness.