Why does ventilation values increase when hyperventilating

This causes a rapid reduction in carbon dioxide in the body. Low carbon dioxide levels lead to narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

This reduction in blood supply to the brain leads to symptoms like lightheadedness and tingling in the fingers. Severe hyperventilation can lead to loss of consciousness. For some people, hyperventilation is rare. It only occurs as an occasional, panicked response to fear, stress , or a phobia.

For others, this condition occurs as a response to emotional states, such as depression , anxiety , or anger. There are many factors that can lead to hyperventilation. This condition most commonly results from anxiety, panic, nervousness, or stress. It often takes the form of a panic attack. Hyperventilation can be a serious issue. Symptoms can last 20 to 30 minutes. You should seek treatment for hyperventilation when the following symptoms occur:. Some of these symptoms are:.

Make sure to let your doctor know if you have recurring symptoms. You may have a condition called hyperventilation syndrome. It may be helpful to have someone with you to coach you through the episode. The goal of treatment during an episode is to increase carbon dioxide levels in your body and work to slow your breathing rate. When you're overbreathing, you might not be aware you're breathing fast and deep.

But you'll likely be aware of the other symptoms, including:. If your provider has said your hyperventilation is due to anxiety, stress, or panic, there are steps you can take at home. You, your friends, and family can learn techniques to stop it from happening and prevent future attacks. If you start hyperventilating, the goal is to raise the carbon dioxide level in your blood. This will end most of your symptoms. Ways to do this include:. Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

Your breathing will also be checked. If you are not breathing quickly at the time, the provider may try to cause hyperventilation by telling you to breathe in a certain way. The provider will then watch how you breathe and check which muscles you're using to breathe. Rapid deep breathing; Breathing - rapid and deep; Overbreathing; Fast deep breathing; Respiratory rate - rapid and deep; Hyperventilation syndrome; Panic attack - hyperventilation; Anxiety - hyperventilation.

Braithwaite SA, Perina D. If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Seek Care Now Based on your answers, you may need care right away. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour. You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you. You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older. Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger. Home Treatment Home treatment may help you control your breathing and stop hyperventilation. Breathing techniques Breathe through pursed lips, as if you are whistling, or pinch one nostril and breathe through your nose. It is harder to hyperventilate when you breathe through your nose or pursed lips, because you can't move as much air. Slow your breathing to 1 breath every 5 seconds, or slow enough that symptoms gradually go away.

Try belly-breathing, which fills your lungs fully, slows your breathing rate, and helps you relax. Place one hand on your belly just below the ribs. Place the other hand on your chest. You can do this while standing, but it may be more comfortable while you are lying on the floor with your knees bent. Take a deep breath through your nose. As you inhale, let your belly push your hand out. Keep your chest still. As you exhale through pursed lips, feel your hand go down. Use the hand on your belly to help you push all the air out.

Take your time exhaling. Repeat these steps 3 to 10 times. Take your time with each breath. Using a paper bag Use a paper bag to control your breathing. Take 6 to 12 easy, natural breaths, with a small paper bag held over your mouth and nose.

Then remove the bag from your nose and mouth and take easy, natural breaths. Next, try belly-breathing diaphragmatic breathing. Alternate these techniques until your hyperventilation stops. If hyperventilation continues for longer than 30 minutes, call your doctor immediately. Do not use a paper bag if: You have any heart or lung problems, such as coronary artery disease, asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, emphysema , or a history of deep vein thrombosis , stroke , or pulmonary embolism.

Rapid breathing occurs at a high altitude [above ft m ]. Breathing faster than normal is a natural response to an increased altitude. Follow these precautions when using the bag method: Do not use a plastic bag.

Do not breathe continuously into a paper bag. Take 6 to 12 natural breaths, with a paper bag held over your mouth and nose, then remove the bag from your nose and mouth. Do not hold the bag for the person who is hyperventilating. Allow the person to hold the bag over his or her own mouth and nose. Symptoms to watch for during home treatment Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment: Symptoms do not improve with home treatment measures.

Symptoms become more severe or frequent. Prevention You may be able to avoid hyperventilation: Breathe through your nose. It is harder to hyperventilate when your mouth is closed, because you can't move as much air through your nose.

Loosen your clothing. Tight belts and waistbands, girdles, bras, and skintight jeans can all restrict breathing and cause shallow, upper-chest breathing.

Learn belly-breathing diaphragmatic breathing techniques, and practice them when you are not hyperventilating so that you can use the techniques when you need them. People who hyperventilate usually take shallow breaths, filling only their upper chest when they inhale.

Try different relaxation techniques and see what works best for you. For more information, see the topic Stress Management. Talk to friends, family members, or a counselor to help you relieve anxiety. Keep a journal to help you focus on your problems and find workable solutions. Eat a healthy mix of foods. Watch out for caffeine: drink less coffee, tea, and soda, and do not eat as much chocolate.

For more information, see the topic Healthy Eating. Regular aerobic exercise forces you to take full breaths and helps you to reduce anxiety that contributes to hyperventilation. For more information, see the topic Fitness. Make sure you get a good night's sleep. Being rested may help reduce daytime anxiety.

There are several ways to do this:. Reassurance from a friend or family member can help relax your breathing. 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.