About this topic
When you breathe, air is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is breathed out. Taking too many deep breaths very fast could lower how much carbon dioxide is normally in your body and cause signs of hyperventilation. This often happens during an event that causes you physical or emotional stress, such as with pain or worry. You might start to feel dizzy or even think you are going to faint. ‚
If you find that you hyperventilate often, you could have hyperventilation syndrome. This is a more serious problem which mainly happens as a result of a specific emotion like anger, stress, or worry. With hyperventilation syndrome, signs may come on all of a sudden or may happen daily. Other health problems may also be linked to hyperventilation syndrome. ‚
What are the causes?
Minor: ‚
- Feeling very nervous
- Panic attack
- Pain
- Working out
More serious ¢ ˆ ’ any health problem that causes a low oxygen level or very low blood pressure such as: ‚
- Blood clot
- Very bad infection
- Very bad bleeding leading to shock
- Heart, kidney, or lung problems
- High blood sugar that is not controlled
- Drug overdose
- Stroke
- Altitude sickness
What are the main signs?
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Change in eyesight
- Feeling tired, weak, or have no energy
- Feeling confused
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Tingling and numbness in the lips, fingertips, arms, and legs
- Fast heartbeat
- Cannot catch your breath
- Trouble breathing
- Feel like you might pass out
Signs of hyperventilation syndrome may also include: ‚
- Belly pressure or pain
- Bloating
- Burping, passing gas
- Chest wall soreness, tingling, or numbness
- Yawning a lot
- Wheezing
- Shaking
- Muscle spasms in the feet or hands
- Out of body sensations
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
If the cause of your hyperventilation is minor, you will be able to do self-help treatments at home. Your doctor will want to make sure that a more serious illness is not causing you to hyperventilate. If some other illness is suspected after a full history and exam, testing might be needed. Tests may include: ‚
- Lab tests
- Arterial blood gas ¢ ˆ ’ test to see how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in the blood
- Chest x-ray or other imaging tests based on the cause
- Breathing tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What follow-up care is needed?
If you have been diagnosed with hyperventilation syndrome, your doctor may suggest you follow up with a specialist who treats emotional problems. Therapy along with proper breathing exercises and learning ways to lower stress may help control or avoid attacks. Drugs may also be ordered. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Breathe through your nose and not your mouth.
- Breathe using your belly muscles.
- Use relaxing methods.
- Learn ways to lower stress.
- Talk with your doctor about a healthy diet plan.
- Start a workout program.
- Get a good nights sleep.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing.
- Talk with your doctor about getting treated for anxiety.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You cannot stop hyperventilating and there is no clear cause
- Signs are not better after self-help treatments
- Signs happen more often
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Go to the ER right away if you: ‚
- Pass out
- Have tightness in your chest with belly pain
- Have a chance of having blood clots. This may be due to just had surgery, smoke, take birth control pills.
Helpful tips
- Stay calm. Try to breathe slower. Take only one breath every 5 seconds.
- Take breaths that are not so deep.
- Try breathing through one side of your nose.
- Put your lips together like you are whistling and breathe.
- Take a deep breath through your nose and push the air out slowly by letting your belly force the air out. Repeat a few times.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a paper bag. Breathe in and out slowly 10 times. Take the bag away and breathe normally for a few minutes. Then, repeat these steps for 10-15 minutes.
Note: ‚
- Do not use the paper bag method if you have heart or lung disease, or a history of stroke or blood clots.
- Do not use the paper bag method if you are in a higher altitude where faster, deeper breathing would be normal.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://www.aafp.org/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚