A condition called hyperventilation, or overbreathing, occurs when a person breathes faster or deeper than usual, causing their blood to be low in carbon dioxide (CO2). As a result, dizziness, tingling, anxiety, and fainting can occur, among other physical and psychological symptoms.
Hyperventilation can be caused by several factors, such as:
Stress, fear, panic, or anxiety, which can trigger the fight-or-flight response and increase the breathing rate and depth.
Physical exertion, such as exercise, labor, or fever, which can increase the oxygen demand and the metabolic rate, and cause the person to breathe more rapidly and deeply.
Medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or heart failure, which can affect the lung function and the oxygen delivery, and cause the person to breathe more rapidly and deeply.
Environmental factors, such as high altitude, heat, or humidity, which can reduce the oxygen availability and the CO2 elimination, and cause the person to breathe more rapidly and deeply.
Hyperventilation can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, but it is more common in people who have anxiety disorders, respiratory disorders, or cardiovascular disorders.
The symptoms of hyperventilation depend on the severity and the duration of the condition, and the level of CO2 in the blood. Some common symptoms include:
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, due to the reduced blood flow and the oxygen delivery to the brain.
Tingling, numbness, or spasms in the hands, feet, or face, due to the decreased CO2 and the increased pH in the blood, which affect the nerve and the muscle function.
Chest pain, tightness, or palpitations, due to the increased heart rate and the blood pressure, and the reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
Shortness of breath, or the feeling of not being able to breathe enough, due to the increased respiratory rate and the reduced CO2, which stimulate the respiratory center in the brain.
Anxiety, nervousness, or agitation, due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Confusion, disorientation, or hallucinations, due to the altered mental state and the impaired cognitive function.
Hyperventilation can affect the quality of life, the physical and mental health, and the social interactions of the person. It can also increase the risk of other complications, such as seizures, coma, or cardiac arrest.
Hyperventilation can be diagnosed by a doctor, who will perform a physical exam and ask the person about their medical history, their family history, and their symptoms. The doctor will also order some tests and procedures, such as:
A blood test, which measures the levels of oxygen, CO2, pH, and electrolytes in the blood, and can detect the signs of hyperventilation, such as low CO2, high pH, or low potassium.
A chest X-ray, which uses radiation to produce images of the chest, and can rule out other causes of rapid breathing, such as lung infection, inflammation, or injury.
A pulmonary function test, which measures the volume, flow, and pressure of the air in the lungs, and can assess the lung function and the respiratory capacity.
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, which records the electrical activity of the heart, and can rule out other causes of chest pain or palpitations, such as heart attack, arrhythmia, or pericarditis.
A psychological evaluation, which involves talking to a mental health professional, and can identify the presence of any anxiety disorders, panic disorders, or phobias, that may trigger or worsen the hyperventilation.
The doctor will use the results of the tests and the history to determine the diagnosis and the prognosis of hyperventilation, and to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The treatment of hyperventilation aims to restore the normal breathing pattern and the CO2 level in the blood, and to relieve the symptoms and the complications of the condition. The most common treatments are:
It is possible to increase the level of CO2 in the blood and reduce the symptoms of hyperventilation by practicing breathing techniques, which involve breathing slowly, deeply, and regularly, through the nose, and exhaling through pursed lips, or breathing into a paper bag, cupped hand, or mask. When a person feels hyperventilation starting, it is important to practice these techniques every day.
Medications, which are used to treat the underlying cause or the associated symptoms of hyperventilation, such as:
Bronchodilators, which relax the airways and improve the airflow, and are used to treat asthma or COPD.
Antibiotics, which kill the bacteria and treat the infection, and are used to treat pneumonia or other respiratory infections.
Diuretics, which increase the urine output and reduce the fluid retention, and are used to treat heart failure or high blood pressure.
Analgesics, which relieve the pain or the inflammation, and are used to treat chest pain, fever, or headache.
Antianxiety agents, which calm the nerves and reduce the stress, and are used to treat anxiety, panic, or phobia.
Psychotherapy, which involves talking to a mental health professional, can help the person understand the causes and effects of hyperventilation, cope with the emotions and fears, and develop skills and strategies to prevent or manage hyperventilation episodes. In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, and hypnotherapy, the person may benefit from other kinds of therapy.
Lifestyle changes, which are important to support the treatment and to prevent the recurrence of hyperventilation. They include:
Avoiding the triggers, such as stress, anxiety, panic, or physical exertion, that may cause or worsen the hyperventilation, and learning to deal with them in a healthy and positive way.
Eating a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and avoiding foods that may irritate the lungs, such as spicy, acidic, or fried foods, or foods that may cause allergies, such as dairy, nuts, or shellfish.
Drinking plenty of fluids, to prevent dehydration and to thin the mucus in the lungs, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco, as they can affect the breathing rate and the CO2 level in the blood, and worsen the condition of hyperventilation.
Exercising regularly, but moderately, to strengthen the lungs and the heart, and to improve the mood and the energy levels, and avoiding overexertion, or exercising in extreme temperatures or altitudes, as they can trigger or aggravate the hyperventilation.
Getting enough sleep, to rest and recharge the body and the mind, and to reduce fatigue and stress, and avoiding sleeping on the back, or using too many pillows, which can affect the breathing pattern and the CO2 level in the blood, and worsen the condition of hyperventilation.
Utilizing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or massage, to calm the body and mind, and to reduce tension and anxiety, and to avoid negative thoughts, emotions, or actions that may exacerbate hyperventilation.
It depends on the age of the patient, the cause and severity of hyperventilation, the presence of symptoms or complications, and the overall health of the person. The doctor will discuss the pros and cons of each option and help the person make the best decision.
As hyperventilation is mostly determined by genetic and environmental factors that affect the breathing pattern and blood CO2 levels, it cannot be prevented. There are, however, some steps that can be taken to prevent episodes or complications of hyperventilation, such as:
Having regular check-ups, at least once a year, or more often if recommended by the doctor.
Taking the prescribed medications, and adjusting them as needed, under the doctor’s supervision.
Following the proper hygiene and care instructions for the respiratory devices, if applicable, and reporting any signs of malfunction or infection.
Seeking medical attention, if they notice any symptoms of hyperventilation, such as dizziness, tingling, or chest pain.
Educating themselves and their family members about hyperventilation, its causes, its symptoms, its diagnosis, its treatment, and its prevention.
By understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hyperventilation, the person can take control of their health and enhance their quality of life.
