Hyperventilation

Introduction to Glider Flying > Introduction to Glider Flying > Medical Factors Associated with Glider Flying > Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation occurs when you are experiencing emotional stress, fright, or pain, and your breathing rate and depth increase although the carbon diox-ide is already at a reduced level in the blood. The result is an excessive loss of carbon dioxide from your body, which can lead to unconsciousness due to the respiratory system’s overriding mechanism to regain control of breathing.

Glider pilots encountering extreme, unexpected turbulence, or strong areas of sink over rough terrain or water, may unconsciously increase their breathing rate. If you are flying at higher altitudes, either with or without oxygen, you may have a tendency to breathe more rapidly than normal, which often leads to hyperventilation.

Since many of the symptoms of hyperventilation are similar to those of hypoxia, it is important to correctly diagnose and treat the proper condition. If you are using supplemental oxygen, check the equipment and flow rate to ensure you are not suf-fering from hypoxia. The following are common symptoms of hyperventilation.

• Headache
• Decreased Reaction Time
• Impaired Judgment
• Euphoria
• Visual Impairment
• Drowsiness
• Lightheaded or Dizzy Sensation
• Tingling in Fingers and Toes
• Numbness
• Pale, Clammy Appearance
• Muscle Spasms

Hyperventilation may produce a pale, clammy appearance and muscle spasms compared to the cyanosis and limp muscles associated with hypoxia. The treatment for hyperventilation involves restoring the proper carbon dioxide level in the body. Breathing normally is both the best prevention and the best cure for hyperventilation. In addition to slowing the breathing rate, you also can breathe into a paper bag or talk aloud to over-come hyperventilation. Recovery is usually rapid once the breathing rate is returned to normal.

Figure 1-13. The semicircular canals lie in three planes, and sense the motions of roll, pitch, and yaw.