Hyperventilation syndrome (patient information)
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Hyperventilation syndrome |
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Hyperventilation syndrome On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Hyperventilation syndrome |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Hyperventilation is rapid or deep breathing that can occur with anxiety or panic. It is also called overbreathing, and may leave you feeling breathless.
What are the symptoms of Hyperventilation syndrome?
Patients with hyperventilation syndrome, might not be aware that they are breathing fast. However, they will be aware of having many of the other symptoms, including:
- Belching
- Bloating
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle spasms in hands and feet
- Numbness and tingling in the arms or around the mouth
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep disturbances
- Weakness
What causes Hyperventilation syndrome?
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Bleeding
- Cardiac disease, such as congestive heart failure or heart attack
- Drugs (such as an aspirin overdose)
- Infection such as pneumonia or sepsis
- Ketoacidosis and similar medical conditions
- Lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary embolism
- Panic attack
- Pregnancy
- Severe pain
- Situations where there is a psychological advantage in having a sudden, dramatic illness (for example, somatization disorder)
- Stimulant use
- Stress
Who is at highest risk?
Hyperventilation syndrome can be triggered by emotions of stress, anxiety, depression, or anger. Occasional hyperventilation from panic is generally related to a specific fear or phobia, such as a fear of heights, dying, or closed-in spaces (claustrophobia).
Diagnosis
History
- Short of breath onset and duration.
- Past medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- Medication history
- Are you in pain.
- Associated symptoms.
Laboratory Findings
- Blood tests for the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood
- Chest CT scan
- ECG
- Ventilation/perfusion scan of your lungs
- X-rays of the chest
When to seek urgent medical care?
- Rapid breathing for the first time. (This is a medical emergency and you should be taken to the emergency room right away.)
- Severe pain, having a fever, or noticed any bleeding.
- Worsening of symptoms.
Treatment options
Your doctor will look for other medical illnesses before diagnosing hyperventilation syndrome.
If your doctor has explained that you hyperventilate from anxiety, stress, or panic, there are steps you can take at home. You, your friends, and family can learn techniques to stop you from hyperventilating when it happens and to prevent future attacks.
If you start hyperventilating, the goal is to raise the carbon dioxide level in your blood, which will put an end to most of your symptoms. There are several ways to do this:
- Get reassurance from a friend or family member to help relax your breathing. Words like "you are doing fine," "you are not having a heart attack," and "you are not going to die" are very helpful. It is extremely important that the person helping you remain calm and deliver these messages with a soft, relaxed tone.
- To increase your carbon dioxide, you need to take in less oxygen. To accomplish this, you can breathe through pursed lips (as if you are blowing out a candle) or you can cover your mouth and one nostril, and breathe through the other nostril.
Where to find medical care for Hyperventilation syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hyperventilation
Prevention of Hyperventilation syndrome
Over the long term, there are several important steps to help you stop overbreathing:
- If you have been diagnosed with anxiety or panic, see a psychologist or psychiatrist to help you understand and treat your condition.
- Learn breathing exercises that help you relax and breathe from your diaphragm and abdomen, rather than your chest wall.
- Practice relaxation techniques regularly, such as progressive muscle relaxation or meditation.
- Exercise regularly.
If these methods alone are not preventing your overbreathing, your doctor may recommend a beta blocker medication.
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003071.htm