Air pressure decreases as altitude increases. Due to the lower air pressure and oxygen level at the higher altitudes, the body cannot take the oxygen it usually requires at the pace it is used to of. The air pressure at the higher elevations is almost 30% lower than the sea level. When lungs do not get enough oxygen and carbon dioxide, it leads to a shortage of breathing. In addition, the strong dry winds, and low humidity at the higher altitudes also cause dehydration which makes it difficult to breathe.