Acclimatization (compensatory mechanisms) to altitude sickness includes all except -

Options

A. Polycythaemia
B. Hyperventilation
C. Asphyxia
D. Decreasing binding capacity of Hb

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding Acclimatization**:
- Acclimatization refers to the process by which an organism adjusts to a change in its environment, allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions. In the context of altitude sickness, it involves physiological changes that help the body cope with lower oxygen levels.

2. **Identifying Symptoms of Altitude Sickness**:
- When ascending to high altitudes, the body experiences a decrease in oxygen availability, which can lead to altitude sickness. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

3. **Evaluating the Options**:
- The question asks which of the following is **not** a compensatory mechanism (acclimatization) for altitude sickness. The options provided are:
- A) Polycythemia
- B) Hyperventilation
- C) Asphyxia
- D) Decreasing capacity of hemoglobin

4. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Polycythemia**: This is the increase in red blood cell (RBC) count, which helps transport more oxygen in the blood. This is a compensatory mechanism.
- **Hyperventilation**: This refers to increased breathing rate to take in more oxygen. This is also a compensatory mechanism.
- **Asphyxia**: This condition occurs when the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to serious health issues. It is not a mechanism of acclimatization but rather a consequence of severe altitude sickness.
- **Decreasing capacity of hemoglobin**: This refers to the reduction in the amount of oxygen that hemoglobin can carry, which is a physiological adjustment that can occur at high altitudes.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The option that does not represent an acclimatization mechanism to altitude sickness is **C) Asphyxia**. It is a harmful condition resulting from inadequate oxygen supply, not a compensatory mechanism.