As altitude increases above 10,000 feet, what happens to the symptoms of hypoxia?

As altitude increases above 10,000 feet, the partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere decreases, which directly affects the amount of oxygen available for the body to absorb. This reduced oxygen availability leads to more pronounced symptoms of hypoxia—as the body struggles to get sufficient oxygen, particularly in tissues that require high levels of oxygen, such as the brain.

At higher altitudes, users often experience increasing symptoms such as fatigue, impaired judgment, dizziness, and euphoria initially, which can progress to more severe issues such as loss of coordination, unconsciousness, or even death if exposure continues without supplemental oxygen. The progression of these symptoms correlates with the altitude and the duration of exposure, making it crucial for pilots and aviation professionals to take appropriate measures, like using supplemental oxygen, when operating at high altitudes to mitigate the effects of hypoxia.