To overcome symptoms or avoid future occurrences of hyperventilation, a pilot should do which of the following?

• A. Slowing the breathing rate, breathing into a bag, or talking aloud
• B. Holding breath for long periods
• C. Breathing rapidly to increase oxygen intake
• D. Drinking water continuously during flight

Answer: (A)

Hyperventilation reduces carbon dioxide in the blood, which can cause dizziness, tingling, and faintness as the brain’s blood vessels constrict. To overcome it, focus on restoring normal CO2 levels and calming the breathing. Slowing the breathing rate directly reduces further CO2 loss and lets the body's normal balance return. Breathing into a bag reintroduces some of the exhaled CO2 with each inhale, helping raise the CO2 level more quickly and reset the drive to breathe too rapidly. Talking aloud can serve two helpful roles: it provides a distraction that reduces anxiety and helps pace the breath, preventing the urge to take rapid, shallow breaths.

Holding breath for long periods would worsen symptoms by further lowering CO2. Breathing rapidly sustains the problem by continuing excessive CO2 loss. Drinking water doesn’t address the underlying gas balance or the need to slow breathing and calm the situation.