Hyperventilation is breathing that is deeper and more rapid than normal. It causes a decrease in the amount of a gas in the blood. (This gas is called carbon dioxide, or CO2.) The decrease may make you feel lightheaded. You may have a rapid heartbeat and be short of breath. It also can lead to numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, anxiety, fainting, and sore chest muscles.
Some causes of sudden hyperventilation include anxiety, fever, some medicines, intense exercise, and emotional stress. It also can occur because of problems caused by asthma or emphysema or after a head injury. But it occurs most often in people who are nervous or tense, breathe shallowly, and have other medical problems, such as lung diseases or panic disorder. It occurs more often in women than men. Most people who have it are 15 to 55 years old. It may occur when people travel to elevations over 6000 ft (2000 m) . Symptoms can be like ones from another more serious medical problem, such as a lung problem.
Acute (sudden) hyperventilation is usually triggered by acute stress, anxiety, or emotional upset. Chronic (recurring) hyperventilation may be a lasting problem for people with other diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, or lung cancer.
Many women have problems with hyperventilation when they are pregnant. But it usually goes away on its own after the baby is born.
In many cases, hyperventilation can be controlled by learning proper breathing techniques.
Symptoms usually last 20 to 30 minutes. They may include:
Other symptoms may occur less often. You may not realize that they are directly related to hyperventilation. These symptoms can include:
Hyperventilation isn't a disease. But you may need to be checked by your doctor if you keep having symptoms. If you have recurring symptoms, you might be diagnosed with a condition called hyperventilation syndrome (HVS).
Treatment for hyperventilation depends on the cause. Home treatment is usually all that's needed for mild symptoms. Medical treatment may be needed for hyperventilation symptoms that are moderate to severe, that last for a long time, that come back, or that interfere with your daily activities. Treatment usually includes reassurance, stress reduction measures, breathing lessons, or medicine.
Hyperventilation is breathing that is deeper and more rapid than normal, which causes the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood to drop too low. This may result in lightheadedness, a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, anxiety, fainting, and sore chest muscles.
Some causes of hyperventilation include extreme anxiety, asthma, emphysema, head injury, fever, exposure to altitude above 6000 ft (2000 m) , and some medicines.
In many cases, hyperventilation can be controlled with home treatment, such as focusing on proper breathing techniques.
Teach your child to always try to control his or her breathing or to belly-breathe first. If these techniques do not work and your child does not have other health problems, you might have your child try breathing in and out of a paper bag. Teach yourself first and then teach your child.
Do not try this method with your child if:
Follow these safety measures when using this method:
Hyperventilation can be directly caused by:
Hyperventilation symptoms can be similar to symptoms that are caused by another problem.
Try these steps to control hyperventilation
If hyperventilation continues for longer than 30 minutes, call your doctor immediately.
Do not use a paper bag if:
Follow these precautions when using the bag method:
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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