Some mountain climbers will take a medication, called acetazolamide (trade name Diamox), starting 24 hours prior...

60.1K

Verified Solution

Question

Medical Sciences

Some mountain climbers will take a medication, calledacetazolamide (trade name Diamox), starting 24 hours prior toascending to elevation as a preventative to reduce high altitudesickness. To figure out how this alleviates high altitude sickness,answer the following questions.

  1. Around 70% of CO2 is transported in the blood as bicarbonateions. Draw this reaction.
  2. Acetazolamide inhibits the enzyme that catalyzes the reactionbetween CO2 and H2O and the dissociated ions of carbonic acid(bicarbonate and H+). What effect would this have on blood pH,blood PO2, and blood PCO2?
  3. Acetazolamide triggers the kidneys to excrete bicarbonate andincrease the respiratory rate. What effect would this have on bloodpH, blood PO2, and blood PCO2?
  4. Based on these answers, how does this help to prevent highaltitude sickness?

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert
4.4 Ratings (658 Votes)
Acetazolamide inhibits the enzyme carbonic anhydrase thatcatalyzes the reaction between CO2 and H2O and the dissociated ionsof carbonic acid As a result blood pH will decrease do toaccumulation of carbonic acid since forward reaction blocked byenzyme inhibition pCO2 will increase do to    See Answer
Get Answers to Unlimited Questions

Join us to gain access to millions of questions and expert answers. Enjoy exclusive benefits tailored just for you!

Membership Benefits:
  • Unlimited Question Access with detailed Answers
  • Zin AI - 3 Million Words
  • 10 Dall-E 3 Images
  • 20 Plot Generations
  • Conversation with Dialogue Memory
  • No Ads, Ever!
  • Access to Our Best AI Platform: Flex AI - Your personal assistant for all your inquiries!
Become a Member

Other questions asked by students