Generalized hypoxia (Oxygen-deficiency) occurs in healthy people when they ascend to high altitude, where it causes altitude sickness leading to potentially fatal complications: high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
The symptoms of generalized hypoxia depend on its severity and acceleration of onset. In the case of altitude sickness, where hypoxia develops gradually, the symptoms include headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, a feeling of euphoria and nausea. In severe hypoxia, or hypoxia of very rapid onset, changes in levels of consciousness, seizures, coma and death occur.
Increased oxygenation enables to stimulate the body’s chemical reactions, and therefore the concentration of the crew and the passengers.
The following diagram shows the altitude recommendation of supplemental oxygen use.