THE EFFECT OF LONGLASTING OXYGEN INHALATION UPON RESPIRATORY PARAMETERS IN MAN

Journal/Book: PHYSIOLOGIA BOHEMOSLOVENICA Vol. 11 (1962) 2 S. 149-157 Fasc.2.. 1962;

Abstract: Institute of Aviation Medicine Prague Received March 29 1961 Summary An investigation has been made of the effect of longlasting oxygen inhalation upon the respiratory system in 12 healthy human subjects. The average time of exposure of these persons to the oxygen atmosphere was 74 hours with a minimum of 42 hrs. and a maximum of 110 hrs. The first subjective difficulties appeared 8-14 hours of oxygen inhalation manifested by retrosternal pains during inspiration irritating cough and later by dyspnoea. In the course of oxygen inhalation nausea lose of gustatory sensations and vomitting appeared. In 9 persons out of 12 anaesthesia of finger tips was reported in both hands and fest. These Symptoms disappeared 14-21 days after termination of oxygen inhalation. All experimental persons lost 1·4% body weight on the average. It was found that the minute respiratory volume was increased during oxygen inhalation by 39%. This hyperventilation was accompanied by a decrease in pCO2 and an increase of pH in arterial blood. Considerable volume changes occurred in the lungs. The vital capacity diminished by 17.2% an the average as compared with values obtained in air prior to the experiment. The saturation of arterial blood did not attain 100% saturation until 14 hours' oxygen inhalation. Oxygen tension in arterial blood increased in relation to the duration of oxygen inhalation and an the degree of oxygen saturation. It has been postulated that hyperventilation during longlasting oxygen inhalation represents a protective mechanism which is to maintain vasoconstriction in the cerebral circulation via hypokapnia and thus protect brain cells from high pO2. . . .

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