Hyperventilation is a condition where a person breathes rapidly or deeply, often caused by anxiety or panic. This overbreathing can lead to low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which causes many of the symptoms associated with hyperventilation. Some of the common symptoms of hyperventilation include dizziness, lightheadedness, belching, bloating, dry mouth, weakness, confusion, sleep disturbances, numbness and tingling in the arms or around the mouth, muscle spasms in hands and feet, chest pain, and palpitations.
The goal of treating hyperventilation is to raise the carbon dioxide level in the blood. There are several ways to do this, including reassurance from a friend or family member, breathing through pursed lips, covering the mouth and one nostril and breathing through the other nostril, and seeking help from a psychologist or psychiatrist if anxiety or panic has been diagnosed. It is important to note that rapid breathing may be a medical emergency, and a healthcare provider should be consulted if the hyperventilation is frequent or severe.
