Hyperventilation Syndrome
Hyperventilation syndrome is the medical term for losing control of your breathing. You may find yourself breathing too fast or too deeply. This can be triggered by pain, anxiety, or emotional stress. If hyperventilation continues for more than a few minutes, it can lead to a number of frightening symptoms, such as:
-
Numbness and tingling of the hands, feet, and face
-
Clenching of the fingers or toes
-
Dizziness
-
Feeling like you can't get enough air
-
Chest pains
-
Fainting or feeling like you are going to faint
Once these symptoms begin, it is often hard to stop them, because they lead to a cycle of more anxiety and more hyperventilation. It is important to understand that this is not a life-threatening condition. It will pass once you are able to relax. Relaxation and stress-management techniques can be learned and practiced when you are not hyperventilating. These techniques can help in the event of a future attack.
Home care
Rest today until you feel back to normal. If symptoms return, take the following steps to care for yourself:
Note: It is no longer recommended to breathe into a paper bag.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
-
Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
-
Redness, pain, or swelling of the leg
-
Ringing in your ears
-
Severe headache
Call 911
Call 911 if any of these occur: