Subjective Symptoms In Hipoxia of Military Aircraft Aircrews, Relationship With Age And Oxygen Saturation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Damayanti, Ista; Mulyawan, Wawan; Priosoeryanto, Bambang Pontjo; Gartika, Meirina; Yusuf, Harmas Yazid

Introduction: Hypobaric hypoxia is a condition that occurs at altitudes above 25,000 feet, where a decrease in barometric pressure causes reduced oxygen availability. This condition impacts physiological and psychological function, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and decreased oxygen saturation. Although this condition is essential for military aircraft crews who frequently operate at these altitudes, there is a lack of research that explicitly explores its impact, especially regarding subjective symptoms and oxygen saturation. Objective: To evaluate and understand the effect of hypoxia on the subjective symptoms experienced by military aircrew and its effect on their oxygen saturation when operating at high altitudes and determine the relationship of subjective symptoms differentiated by age and saturation. Methods: This is a prospective, controlled, cross-sectional study conducted at a single center, recruiting 64 military aircrew members for a one-time session that includes an intermediate phase and subsequent hypoxia exposure in a high-altitude chamber. Result: The study gathered data on physiological responses to hypobaric conditions at 25,000 feet in a hypobaric chamber, detailing subjective symptoms and reduced oxygen saturation levels during hypoxia at this altitude. Noted hypoxia symptoms included dizziness, tingling, a floating feeling, and memory lapses. Additionally, oxygen saturation levels were observed to drop below 70%. The hypoxia observed in the study was attributed to altitude, with an understanding that higher elevations result in lower partial pressure. Conclusion: These findings conclude that physiological changes in subjective symptoms and oxygen saturation occur in military aircraft crew experiencing hypoxia at an altitude of 25,000 feet. No significant correlation was found between age, saturation and the subjective symptoms experienced, except for muscle weakness, which appears to be more common in individuals over 33 years of age.

OXYGEN saturation; ATMOSPHERIC pressure; RECRUITING & enlistment (Armed Forces); MUSCLE weakness; MILITARY airplanes

Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 2024, Vol 20, p22

1675-8544

Academic Journal

10.47836/mjmhs.20.s12.4