Why does hyperventilation occur

Topic Overview Hyperventilation is breathing that is deeper and more rapid than normal. In many cases, hyperventilation can be controlled by learning proper breathing techniques. Symptoms of hyperventilation Symptoms of hyperventilation usually last 20 to 30 minutes and may include: Feeling anxious, nervous, or tense. Frequent sighing or yawning. Feeling that you can't get enough air air hunger or need to sit up to breathe.

A pounding and racing heartbeat. Problems with balance, lightheadedness , or vertigo. Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or around the mouth. Chest tightness, fullness, pressure, tenderness, or pain.

These symptoms can include: Headache. Gas, bloating, or burping. Vision changes, such as blurred vision or tunnel vision. Problems with concentration or memory. Loss of consciousness fainting. Check Your Symptoms Do you have problems with hyperventilation? How old are you? Less than 12 years. Are you male or female? Why do we ask this question? The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have. If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.

If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice once as "male" and once as "female". This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you. Have you noticed irregular heartbeats or heart rate changes even when you are not hyperventilating? Do you think there could be a breathing problem other than hyperventilation? Do you think you have a breathing problem other than hyperventilation? Did you pass out completely lose consciousness?

If you are answering for someone else: Is the person unconscious now? Are you back to your normal level of alertness? After passing out, it's normal to feel a little confused, weak, or lightheaded when you first wake up or come to. But unless something else is wrong, these symptoms should pass pretty quickly and you should soon feel about as awake and alert as you normally do.

Did the loss of consciousness occur during the past 24 hours? Could you be having symptoms of a heart attack? If you're having a heart attack, there are several areas where you may feel pain or other symptoms. Are you having trouble breathing more than a stuffy nose? Would you describe the problem as severe, moderate, or mild? Can you control your breathing? Some people can control their hyperventilation by breathing into a paper bag or using different breathing techniques.

Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy, like you are going to faint? It's normal for some people to feel a little lightheaded when they first stand up. But anything more than that may be serious. Are you still hyperventilating after 30 minutes of home treatment? Do you hyperventilate often? Does the problem interfere with your daily activities? Are you having more frequent or severe problems with hyperventilation? Have you had problems with hyperventilation for more than a week?

These include: Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker. Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.

Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners anticoagulants , medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse. Recent health events , such as surgery or injury.

These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious. Your health habits and lifestyle , such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel. Try Home Treatment You have answered all the questions. Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms. Head injuries range from mild to severe. Some are treatable at home with ice and rest, while others are life-threatening and require immediate medical…. Panic attacks can be sudden and overpowering.

Knowing what to do can help people regain control. This article looks at 13 ways to stop a panic attack. Hyperventilation: Causes and what to do. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. Share on Pinterest Hyperventilation can cause the feeling of not getting enough air. Share on Pinterest A doctor may recommend an X-ray to diagnose the cause of hyperventilation.

Home remedies. When to seek emergency care. Share on Pinterest A person should seek emergency care the first time they experience hyperventilation.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What are the health effects of chronic stress? Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. What to know about anxiety. Medically reviewed by Dillon Browne, PhD. 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, breathing through the other nostril. If anxiety or panic has been diagnosed, 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.

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Causes When to see a doctor Treatments Prevention Overview Hyperventilation is a condition in which you start to breathe very fast. Hyperventilation is also known as: rapid or fast deep breathing overbreathing respiratory rate or breathing — rapid and deep.