Which of the following is recommended to prevent gas expansion injuries during ascent?

Which of the following is recommended to prevent gas expansion injuries during ascent?

• A. Drink carbonated beverages
• B. Gulp large amounts of water
• C. Avoid carbonation and swallowing air
• D. Chew gum during ascent

Answer: (C)

Gas expansion injuries during ascent come from gases in the stomach and intestines expanding as ambient pressure drops. The safest preventive measure is to minimize introducing or retaining swallowed air and extra gas. Carbonated beverages add CO2 to the stomach, increasing gas that can expand with altitude. Chewing gum or gulping liquids can also lead to swallowing air, which raises the amount of gas present to expand. By avoiding carbonation and not swallowing air, you reduce the gas volume in the GI tract and lower the risk of distension or related injuries as you ascend.

Gas expansion injuries during ascent come from gases in the stomach and intestines expanding as ambient pressure drops. The safest preventive measure is to minimize introducing or retaining swallowed air and extra gas. Carbonated beverages add CO2 to the stomach, increasing gas that can expand with altitude. Chewing gum or gulping liquids can also lead to swallowing air, which raises the amount of gas present to expand. By avoiding carbonation and not swallowing air, you reduce the gas volume in the GI tract and lower the risk of distension or related injuries as you ascend.