What are extreme symptoms of hypoxia at 20,000 feet?

• A. Convulsions, collapse, coma, and possible death within minutes
• B. Mild headache
• C. Sneezing
• D. Drowsiness

Answer: (A)

At 20,000 feet the air carries far less oxygen, so the brain and other organs can stop getting what they need very quickly. When oxygen delivery becomes severely inadequate, brain function deteriorates rapidly, and you can see extreme signs such as convulsions, collapse, and a progression into coma. If oxygen isn’t restored promptly, death can occur within minutes. This set of symptoms shows the rapid, life‑threatening escalation that occurs at very high altitudes, which is why it’s the best choice. The other options describe milder or unrelated signs—like a mild headache, sneezing, or drowsiness—that don’t capture how quickly hypoxia can become deadly at this height.