Hyperventilation in Flying
When you breath too rapidly you blow off too much carbon dioxide. Basically, it affects the amount of free hydrogen ions (that determine acidity - too little pH above 7.0 (alkaline) - too much pH below 7.0 (Acidic).
When you breath too rapidly you blow off too much carbon dioxide. Basically, it affects the amount of free hydrogen ions (that determine acidity - too little pH above 7.0 (alkaline) - too much pH below 7.0 (Acidic).
The increased pH causes symptoms that alarms pilots when it occurs. When your frightened you breathe even faster and more deeply that increases the symptoms.
Hyperventilation can lead to unconsciousness when your respiratory system tries to regain control of your breathing.
Two instances where hyperventilation can occur is scuba diving and flying at higher altitudes. In both these situations a pilot may breathe faster than normal.
A little gruesome is the panic one feels when terminally ill with lung disease and breathing is difficult. You attempt to breathe faster and the pain becomes severe.
Many of these symptoms are similar to hypoxia. It is important to recognize the differences and diagnose what is really happening.
If you are using oxygen check the equipment and flow rate to ensure the symptoms are not hypoxia related.
Common symptoms of hyperventilation include:
• Unconsciousness
• Lightheaded or dizzy sensation
• Tingling sensations
• Hot and cold sensations
• Muscle spasms
Breathing normally is the best treatment for hyperventilation.
It restores the proper carbon dioxide level in the blood stream of your body. Sensors pick up on the lowered levels and restores normal breathing.
Another device is breathing into a paper bag (mixture begins to build up the amount of carbon dioxide which you inhale. This increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in your blood. (restores normal breathing). Talking aloud does the same thing. It prevents the release of carbon dioxide. Since, if you're still alive :):) , your cells continue to form carbon dioxide from normal respiration and the symptoms of hyperventilation disappear. The concentration of carbon dioxide rises in the blood. The pH of your blood lowers to the normal value of 7.42. (blood pH is slightly alkaline)
These methods of reversing the effects of hyperventilation will help after you recognize the symptoms.
