SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-hyperventilation-fix

In flight you feel dizzy, tingly and anxious. What is the best fix if it is hyperventilation?

Consciously slow your breathing rate and depth.

Start playing free

  1. Slow the rate and depth of breathing ✔
  2. Breathe faster to get more oxygen
  3. Climb to a higher altitude

Why: Hyperventilation blows off too much carbon dioxide. Slowing your breathing, or breathing into a paper bag, brings carbon dioxide back up within a few minutes.

Huh, didn't know that: Hyperventilation can happen subconsciously when a stressful situation is encountered in flight.

The dad joke
Why did the oxygen and potassium go on a date? Because it was OK.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Slow the rate and depth of breathing. Hyperventilation blows off too much carbon dioxide. Slowing your breathing, or breathing into a paper bag, brings carbon dioxide back up within a few minutes.

  1. AIM chapter 8 section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    The symptoms of hyperventilation subside within a few minutes after the rate and depth of breathing are consciously brought back under control.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. AIM chapter 8 section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    Hyperventilation, or an abnormal increase in the volume of air breathed in and out of the lungs
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

FlyingYou get a headache and drowsiness while using the cabin heater. What should you do first?FlyingWhat can a commercial pilot do that a private pilot generally cannot?FlyingA new commercial airplane pilot has no instrument rating. Passengers for hire cannot go cross-country beyond how far?

That's stuff everyone should know.