HYPERVENTILATIO

Definition

Hyperventilation is rapid or
deep breathing that can occur
with anxiety or panic. It is also
called overbreathing. This
causes a rapid reduction in
carbon dioxide in the body.

For some people,

hyperventilation is rare, and
only occurs as an occasional,
panicked response to fear,
stress, or a phobia. For others,
this condition occurs regularly
as a typical response to
emotional states such as
depression, anxiety, or anger.

Common Causes of
Hyperventilation

There are many factors that can

lead to hyperventilation. This
condition most commonly
results from anxiety, panic,
nervousness, or stress. It often
takes the form of a panic attack.

Other causes : Anxiety, Cardiac

disease, drugs,
infection(pneumonia or sepsis),
lung disease(asthma, COPD),
panic attack, severe pain,
stimulant use, stress.

Hyperventilation can be a serious

issue. Symptoms can last 20 to 30
minutes. You should seek
treatment for hyperventilation
when the following symptoms
occur:
Rapid, deep breathing for the
first time.
Feeling anxious, nervous, or
tense.

 A pounding and racing

heartbeat.
Problems with balance,
lightheadedness, or vertigo.
Numbness or tingling in the
hands or feet.
Chest tightness, fullness,
pressure, tenderness or
pain.

Treating Hyperventilation

Its important to try to stay calm

in acute cases of
hyperventilation. It may be
helpful to have someone with
you to coach you through the
episode. The goal of treatment
during an episode is to increase
carbon dioxide levels in your
body and work to slow your
breathing rate.

Home Care

You can try some immediate

techniques to help treat acute
hyperventilation:
Breathe through pursed lips
Breathe into a paper bag of
cupped hands.
Attempt to breathe into your
belly (diaphragm) rather than
your chest.

End

Thank You for

Listening