Physiologic Effects of Fluctuations in Oxygen Partial Pressure: A Literature Review
Abstract
The partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) delivered to the pilot of a tactical aircraft fluctuates in flight. Regular oscillations with periods of about once per minute have been recorded, as have less frequent but regularly-occurring spikes. The regular oscillations generally fall within the oxygen schedule. Less regular excursions may include mildly hypoxic gas if cabin air is entrained into the mask. Oxygen partial pressure fluctuations may or may not have physiological effects. Rates of onset differ across the multiple effects of hyperoxia or hypoxia. Thus, fluctuations in inspired oxygen partial pressure might put a pilot into a situation where physiological compensations may lag the environmental conditions. In particular, 1) constriction and dilation of blood vessels with hyperoxia or hypoxia might be inappropriate for the arterial gas composition that prevails; and 2) control of breathing patterns might be slightly impaired. In the absence of direct studies of fluctuating PO2, information is assembled here primarily from PO2 step changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1070053
Entities
People
- Barbara Shykoff
- Dana Dipasquale
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton