Entrapped Gas Flashcards
Define Barotrauma in aviation context
Condition when the volume of any gases trapped in cavities of human body expand as atmospheric pressure decreases (due to increase in altitude)
4 areas of human body damaged by barotrauma
Middle ear, Sinuses, GI tract, the teeth
The middle ear is a small cavity bound with … everywhere except tympanic membrane, called ….
Bone, Eardrum
Air contained in middle ear will …. as altitude increases, pressing out against the …., resulting in pain and possible physical damage to the ….
Expand, membrane (eardrum), membrane (eardrum)
What part of middle ear provides equalization of pressure changes
Eustachian Tube
Purpose of Valsalva Maneuver
To fix ear blocks. It forces air back up the eustachian tube by increasing pressure in the nasopharangeal cavity
3 steps of Valsalva Maneuver
Tip head back 10 degrees, pinch off the nose, with mouth closed - exhale
forcefully
How to treat sinus blocks during flight
Valsalva Maneuver
2 reasons why sinus blocks are more dangerous than ear blocks
potential long-term tissue damage, inability to check their condition prior to flight
How to prevent sinus blocks during flight
Don’t fly if there’s any indication of upper respiratory congestion
How to treat Gastrointestinal (GI) tract during flight
Perform abdominal massage if necessary and naturally vent the gas as its expand
How to prevent Gastrointestinal (GI) track
Avoid typical gas producing food prior to flight
Define Decompression Sickness (The Bends)
Dangerous and lethal condition caused by nitrogen bubbles that form in the blood and other tissues of scuba divers who surface too quickly
Explain the causes of Decompression Sickness
Compressed air inhaled by the diver in water contains more nitrogen than it is at the surface. This extra nitrogen dissolves into tissues and can be trapped and become nitrogen bubbles if the diver surfaces too quickly .
