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Biology/Gasping for air

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Expert: Florence M Rollwagen - 4/30/2008


Question
Why is is that when we enter cold water we gasp for air?

Answer
Cold water shock gasping.

When we enter cold water unprepared, out bodies have a series of uncontrollable (involuntary) reflexes such as: gasping, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure.  

Here is a good link:
http://www.ccpac.org/safety/cold-water-shock.html

Involuntary responses are those that we can’t control.  Shivering in cold weather, sneezing, blinking, flinching at loud sounds.  So unexpected submersion in cold water causes gasping, we can’t control it.

I hope this answer has helped you.  Please write back if you have more questions.

FM Rollwagen, PhD

Biology

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Volunteer

Florence M Rollwagen

Expertise

I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.

Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI) American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology

Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966 MS biology 1968 PhD immunology 1979

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