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In-Flight Hypoxia
Am I at risk for in-flight hypoxia?
When flying at high altitudes, hypoxia can impair your ability to read, reason, think, see and even talk. These cognitive functions are necessary to fly you and your passengers safely. Depending on your age, overall health condition, etc. — hypoxia can occur as low as 5,000 feet.
How can you identify hypoxia?
By knowing the symptoms of in-flight hypoxia and evaluating your pulse and oxygen saturation with the FlightStat® Pulse Oximeter.
What are the symptoms of hypoxia?
You may not even recognize the symptoms of hypoxia because hypoxia is insidious in its onset. The signs and symptoms can be different for every person and may not occur in the same progression as listed below. Therefore, it is important to be aware of all the signs and symptoms.
| Signs |
Symptoms |
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Rapid Breathing |
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Air Hunger |
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Cyanosis |
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Dizziness |
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Poor Coordination |
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Headache |
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Lethargy/Lassitude |
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Mental and Muscle Fatigue |
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Executing Poor Judgement |
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Nausea |
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Hot and Cold Flashes |
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Tingling |
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Visual Impairment |
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Euphoria |
"Aviation Physiology," Federal Aviation Administration, Civil Aeromedical Institute, Oklahoma City, OK.
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