EFFECT OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS: A REDISCOVERY

T. C. Harvey, M. H. Winterborn, N. A. Lassen, M. E. Raichle, J. Jensen, N. V. Richardson, A. R. Bradwell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effect of adding CO2 to inhaled air in six subjects with acute mountain sickness was investigated during a medical expedition to 5400 m. 3% CO2 in ambient air increased ventilation and resulted in a rise in PaO2 of between 24% and 40%. There was a 9-28% increase in PaCO2 and a reduction of the respiratory alkalosis normally seen at high altitude. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness were rapidly relieved. In three subjects cerebral blood flow increased by 17-39%, so that oxygen delivery to the brain would have been considerably improved. This study confirms earlier suggestions of the beneficial effect of CO2 inhalation at high altitude.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)639-641
Number of pages3
JournalThe Lancet
Volume332
Issue number8612
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 17 1988

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'EFFECT OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS: A REDISCOVERY'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this