ALVEOLAR AIR DURING SIMULATED FLIGHTS TO HIGH ALTITUDES

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Abstract
The alveolar air composition, ventilation volume, breathing rate and oxy-Hb saturation were recorded continuously and heart rate and hand steadiness intermittently on 8 subjects in 88 man flights (a) to altitudes of 12, 16, 18, 20, and 22,000 ft.; (b) to 12 and 18,000 ft. with and without previous admn. of glucose; (c) to 16,000 ft. with muscular work, and (d) to 16,000 ft. with the addition to the inspired air of 6% CO2. The respiratory data illustrate the increase in R.Q. and gradual return to normal during the hr. at altitude as well as the subnormal R.Q. and return to normal during recovery. The time course of these changes is illustrated on a pO2-pCO2 chart. Ventilation and heart rates were maximal during the first 5 mins. at altitude. Hand steadiness showed a barely significant change at 12,000 ft., and grew progressively worse with increasing altitude. The most conspicuous effect of previous glucose ingestiou was an increased R.Q. A given amt. of muscular work increased the ventilation more at 16,000 ft. than at ground level, but lowered the alveolar pO2 by the same decrement under both conditions. Addition of 6% CO2 to the inspired air at 16,000 ft. increased the alveolar pCO2 10 mm. and the pO2 4 mm.

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