Hyperventilation Syndromes, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Hyperventilation Syndromes, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases"Hyperventilation occurs more in women because they will keep breathing, again, again and again!""Breathing into a paper bag is no longer advised."Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) indicates a relatively frequent emergency department disorder that can happen with anxiety or panic. A breathing rate that exceeds 16 breaths per minute is typical of either hyperventilation or tachypnea (rapid shallow breathing).
While tachypnea and hyperventilation are occasionally considered to be the same, hyperventilation is normally related to anxiety, stress or panic. Over breathing is another name for hyperventilation, and it may leave the patient feeling breathless. The patient may hyperventilate from an emotional cause such as during a panic attack. Rapid breathing may be a medical emergency and the patient need to get treated, unless the patient have had this before and the doctor has told the patient that the patient can treat it on the own.
Excessive breathing produces low levels of carbon dioxide (hypo-capnia) in the blood. CausesThe cause for HVS is not known, but some persons who are affected seem to have an abnormal respiratory response to stress, sodium, lactate, and other chemical and emotional triggers which can cause excess minute ventilation and hypocarbia. This creates many of the symptoms of hyperventilation. Emotional causes are:1.
Anxiety and nervousness2. Panic attack3. Stress4. Circumstances where there is a psychological benefit in having a sudden, dramatic illness (e.g., somatization disorder)Medical causes are:1. Bleeding2. Cardiac disease, such as congestive heart failure or heart attack3. Drugs (such as an aspirin overdose)4. Infection such as pneumonia or sepsis5. Ketoacidosis and similar medical conditions6. Lung disease such as asthma, COPD, or pulmonary embolism7.
Pregnancy8. Severe pain9. Stimulant medicines usageSymptomsFast breathing can be a medical emergency that needs to get treated unless the patient has had this before and the doctor has told the patient that the patient can treat it himself. Often, panic and hyperventilation become linked to a vicious cycle. Panic attack results in rapid breathing and breathing quickly can make the patient feel panicked.
There are many of the other symptoms:1. Belching2. Bloating3. Chest pain4. Confusion5. Dizziness6. Dry mouth7. Light-headedness8. Muscle spasms in the hands and feet9. Numbness and tingling in the arms or around the mouth10. Palpitations11. Shortness of breath12. Sleep disturbances13. WeaknessWhen the patient is over-breathing, the patient might not be aware the patient is breathing fast and deep.
But the patient will likely be aware of the other symptoms, such as:1. Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, weak, or not able to think straight2. Feeling as if the patient can't catch the breath3. Chest pain or fast and pounding heartbeat4. Belching or bloating5. Dry mouth6. Muscle spasms in the hands and feet7. Numbness and tingling in the arms or around the mouth8. Problems sleepingDiagnosisBlood tests for the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the bloodChest CT scan is normalECG is performed to detect cardiac ischemiaTreatmentThe patient should learn deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help cope with an anxiety or panic attack.
Regular exercise daily will helpTreatment for anxiety such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medicine by a doctor can help the patient cope with anxietyMedical treatment includes benzodiazepines or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or a beta-blocker. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Hyperve...