Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation is breathing too deeply and faster than normal. This causes too much carbon dioxide to be exhaled. As a result, levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and brain tissue drop.

Near-Drowning

Signs & Symptoms

• Your heart pounds.

• It feels like you can’t get enough air.

• You feel tingling and numbness in the arms, legs, and around the mouth.

• You feel a sense of doom.

• You may pass out.

Do This, Not That: Prevent Poisoning

Electric Shock

Poisoning

Shock

Symptoms usually last 20 to 30 minutes, but seem to last hours. Though scary, hyperventilation is not usually dangerous.

Causes

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• Anxiety is the most common cause.

• Panic attacks.

• Central nervous system problems.

Treatment

Self-care may be enough to treat hyperventilation. If it persists or occurs with other symptoms, seek medical care.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

Do you breathe rapidly and have any of these problems?

• Any heart attack warning sign.

• Bluish or purple color around your lips, fingernails, or skin.

• Asthma, emphysema, or a serious lung or heart problem.

• A seizure.

Get medical care without delay. If symptoms are life threatening go to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t call 9-1-1 or use the ER if symptoms do not threaten life. Ask your doctor ahead of time where you should go for a problem that needs prompt care, but not emergency care.

Question 2

Do you hyperventilate often? Or, have you had 4 or more panic attacks over a 4-week span?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Use Self-Care / First Aid:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / First Aid

• Open up a small paper bag. Loosely cover your nose and mouth with it. Breathe slowly into the bag. Rebreathe the air in the bag. Do this about 10 times. Set the bag aside. Breathe normally for a couple of minutes.

• Repeat the steps above for up to 15 minutes.

• Try to breathe slowly. Focus on taking one breath every 5 seconds.

{Note: If you still hyperventilate after using Self-Care / First Aid, call your doctor.}

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