Aeropathy

/ɛərˈɒpəθi/ noun

Definition

Any disease or condition caused by exposure to air or changes in air pressure, such as altitude sickness.

Etymology

From aero- (air) + -pathy (disease or suffering). This medical term emerged in the 19th century as people began traveling to high altitudes via balloons and trains.

Kelly Says

Aeropathy captures the realization that thin air itself could make you sick—before modern medicine, mountain climbers and balloonists suffered mysterious illnesses doctors couldn't explain until they understood oxygen deprivation.

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