Hyperventilation Syndrome

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• Hyperventilation syndrome is a condition brought on by rapid, deep breathing. It can cause fainting.
• To prevent or relieve your symptoms, close your mouth and breathe slowly through your nose. Or for faster results, hold a paper bag tightly around your mouth and breathe in and out several times into the bag until you feel better.
• If no physical problem is causing you to hyperventilate, seeing a counselor can help you identify and treat emotional problems that might cause you to hyperventilate.

________________________________________________________________________

What is hyperventilation syndrome?

Hyperventilation syndrome is a condition brought on by rapid, deep breathing. It can cause fainting. Hyperventilation can be very alarming because it may seem to be a more serious problem such as an asthma attack or stroke.

What is the cause?

The rapid, deep breathing most often happens when you are anxious or upset. You are rarely even aware that you are breathing so fast.

When you breathe too fast and deeply, you breathe out a lot more carbon dioxide than normal. Less carbon dioxide in your body affects your nervous system and brain. This causes the symptoms of hyperventilation.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of hyperventilation usually start within a few minutes and can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, and fainting
• Numbness and tingling of the skin in the hands or around the mouth
• Spasms or cramps in the hands and feet

If this is the first time you’re having rapid breathing, call your healthcare provider, especially if you also have chest pain, fever, or a bluish color to your lips or fingernails. These may be signs of a heart or lung problem that needs treatment right away.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider or therapist will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will make sure you do not have a medical illness or drug or alcohol problem that could cause the symptoms. To make sure that you do not have any chest, heart, or lung problems, you may have tests such as:

• Chest X-rays
• An ECG (also called an EKG or electrocardiogram), which measures and records your heartbeat

If you are having symptoms when you see your healthcare provider, you may have tests to check the level of oxygen in your blood. Usually this is done by clipping a small probe on the outside of your ear or finger. Sometimes a sample of blood is tested for levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

How is it treated?

If no physical problem is causing you to hyperventilate, seeing a counselor might help. A counselor can help you identify and treat the emotional problem that might be causing you to hyperventilate. Individual, group, and family therapy may offer support, help you learn more effective ways of dealing with stress, and help reduce fears and worries.

Medicine may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and help you cope with stress.

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Physical activity boosts chemicals in your body, called endorphins, that help you feel good. Focusing on a sport or an exercise routine can help you forget what is bothering you for a while. Exercise can also help you breathe regularly and deeply.

Learning ways to relax can also be very helpful. Relaxation skills include:

• Deep breathing (focusing on taking slow deep breaths)
• Mental imaging (picturing yourself in a calm place and letting your muscles relax)
• Mindfulness (focusing only on the now, without judging, and not thinking of the past or future)
• Progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and relaxing your body, one muscle group at a time)

How can I take care of myself?

To prevent or relieve your symptoms, you need to get the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body back to normal. You can do this by closing your mouth and breathing slowly through your nose. Or for faster results, hold a paper bag tightly around your mouth and breathe in and out several times into the bag until you feel better. Both of these methods will let the carbon dioxide level rise in your lungs.

You can also:

• Get support. Talk with family and friends.
• Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax. For example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, or take walks. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take.
• Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse.

How can I help prevent hyperventilation?

If you tend to breathe too fast and deeply, make sure you know the symptoms. If you can recognize the symptoms early, you may be able to relax and slow down your breathing.