POST-FLIGHT CHEST DISCOMFORT IN AVIATORS: AERO-ATELECTASIS

Abstract

Three jet pilots recently flew high G bank maneuvers, while breathing 100% oxygen and wearing anti-G harnesses, as part of an in-flight project for weapons systems development. As a consequence, on more than one occasion, all three pilots experienced shortness of breath, cough, and aching in the chest -- this latter symptom persisted as long as 3 hours following flight. Physical examination was unremarkable. Pulmonary function study revealed a reduction in vital capacity, immediately following flight, of 20-28% as compared to pre- flight levels outside the plane. A partial, reversible collapse of lung tissue 'aero-atelectasis' may be the mechanism for the observed finding, which could conceivably contribute to aircraft accidents, if not modified. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 30, 1965
Accession Number
AD0632752

Entities

People

  • Elihu York

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Aircrafts
  • Aviation Accidents
  • Biomedical Research
  • Classification
  • Contractors
  • Flow Rate
  • G Suits
  • Lung Diseases
  • Maneuvers
  • Oxygen Masks
  • Pain
  • Physical Examination (Medicine)
  • Pulmonary Function
  • Respiration
  • Security
  • X Rays

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.