What causes the physical pain when you hold your breath?

Question

What causes the physical pain when you hold your breath?

In: Other

Answer 1

I am not sure of the pain mechanism, but the build up of co2 causes more carbonic acid in the lungs which makes you want to breathe. Fun fact, if you fill your lungs up with something with no o2 or co2, like helium you feel no urge to breathe. Now, since I know some of you amateur scientists will try this, DO NOT TRY THIS ALONE, IF YOU PASS OUT ON YOUR OWN YOU FUCKING DIE. You will NOT start breathing again without assistance because the reflex will not trigger. You will not notice you’re passing out, because your lungs will feel just fine. Not kidding.