Chronic hyperventilation, or excessive breathing, can lead to hyperventilation syndrome (HVS), which can be caused by psychological or physiological conditions. HVS can cause respiratory acidosis and narrowing of blood vessels, leading to neurological deficits. Treatment includes respiratory retraining and seeking medical attention.
Chronic hyperventilation is the physical act of constantly breathing in more air than your body requires. It is also known as excessive breathing. Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) is a persistent condition that results from the absence of regulation of breathing following a single episode of hyperventilation. There is no known single cause for HVS, although secondary psychological or physiological conditions can contribute to the development of both acute and chronic cases of HVS. Treatment for chronic HVS often requires respiratory retraining and a referral to a specialist such as a therapist or psychiatrist.
Normal breathing patterns promote a balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. The rapid, shallow breathing associated with hyperventilation reduces blood carbon dioxide levels leading to respiratory acidosis and narrowing of blood vessels. When blood vessels are narrowed, oxygenated blood is prevented from reaching the brain, compromising the function of the nervous and circulatory systems. Restoring the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream is essential for proper regulation of the body’s many systems.
Most cases of hyperventilation are triggered by anxiety resulting from a stressful or traumatic event or situation. Secondary physical conditions such as infection, heart attack, and asthma can cause an individual to breathe shallowly, promoting an irregular breathing pattern. Psychological disorders, such as agoraphobia, can contribute to the onset of symptoms of chronic hyperventilation. Individuals with chronic hyperventilation syndrome will show recurring symptoms that establish a pattern of onset – therein lies the chronic aspect of the problem. In severe cases of chronic hyperventilation, the individual may develop neurological deficits such as vision changes or impaired mental functioning.
Conventional treatment of hyperventilation involves restoring carbon dioxide to the bloodstream. This can be accomplished by breathing into a small paper bag. A paper bag may be effective in the short term as an intervention tool, but it can result in too much carbon dioxide being reintroduced into the bloodstream if used for too long. When trained properly, promoting deep, slow abdominal breaths will achieve the same goal as a paper bag.
Medical attention should be sought if hyperventilation episodes are present because other diagnoses can lead to the same symptoms. Individuals in the midst of an episode may experience chest tightness or pain, dizziness, or numbness in the face or extremities. Treatment for episodes of hyperventilation depends on the severity of the episode and the elimination of secondary or underlying conditions. To relieve the immediate symptoms, treatment may include the use of medications, guided breathing, chest compressions to restore a normal breathing pattern, or, in severe cases, sedation. Options for relieving symptoms of chronic hyperventilation may include respiratory rehabilitation, relaxation exercises, and talk therapy.
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