Hyperventilation Kakapa hākina
Hyperventilation is fast, deep over-breathing. It is commonly caused by anxiety, panic or stress. While it is frightening, it is not usually dangerous.
Causes of hyperventilation
Hyperventilation is when you exhale more than you inhale. This lowers the level of carbon dioxide in your blood and causes symptoms.
The most common causes of hyperventilation are:
- anxiety or fear
- panic attacks
- stress
- a physical condition such as a heart problem, infection, or obstructive lung disease.
How to tell if someone is hyperventilating
Hyperventilation will cause someone to breathe more deeply and much more quickly than normal. They may have other symptoms including:
- difficulty getting breath
- feeling dizzy or faint
- a tightness in their chest
- trembling and sweating
- a fast heart rate.
Helping someone who is hyperventilating
- Be calm and reassuring — let them know it is not dangerous.
- If possible, take them away from the situation that is distressing them to somewhere quiet. If it is not possible, ask anyone nearby to leave or turn away.
- Try to sit them down.
- Ask them to breathe in and out slowly.
- If their breathing does not improve, call 111 for an ambulance.
Treatment for frequent hyperventilation
See your healthcare provider if:
- hyperventilation is a problem for you
- you have other symptoms
- it happens frequently
- you would like to learn more about how to prevent or manage it.
If you experience hyperventilation due to anxiety, stress or panic, there are some steps you can take to understand and manage it. Treatment might include:
- understanding the triggers that cause you to hyperventilate
- giving you suggestions about what to do when you are hyperventilating.
- teaching you different breathing patterns
- teaching you about relaxation techniques.