A person inhaling and exhaling quickly and shallowly is called hyperventilation.A person can experience panic attacks or anxiety.There are more serious medical conditions that can cause someone to hyperventilate.Hyperventilation can cause some frightening effects on the body which can lead to feelings of panic or anxiety.Learning more about the causes and symptoms of hyperventilation can help restore your breathing rhythm.
Step 1: The symptoms can be found.
A person may not be aware that they are over-breathing during an episode of hyperventilation.It can be hard to notice specific symptoms of hyperventilation caused by fear, anxiety, or panic.If your symptoms are indicative of hyperventilation, pay attention to them.Increased rate of breathing.Hyperventilation may cause confusion, dizziness, and light-headedness.Hyperventilation can cause weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms, mouth, and hands.Hyperventilation may cause palpitations and chest pain.
Step 2: Understand why.
Hyperventilation can be caused by states of panic or anxiety which increase the rate of breathing.The low levels of carbon dioxide in the body are a result of this over-breathing.Hyperventilating is caused by Altering carbon dioxide levels.Hyperventilation can be done at will.Infections, blood loss, and heart and lung disorders are some of the medical issues that can cause hyperventilation.
Step 3: Visit with your doctor to learn more.
You will need to speak with your doctor to learn more about hyperventilation.Your doctor will be able to help you figure out what's going on with your case.Your doctor can help you if you have anxiety or panic attacks.Your doctor can diagnose and treat another medical issue that may be indicative of hyperventilation.
Step 4: There is a paper bag that can be used.
When managing symptoms of a hyperventilation episode, breathing into a paper bag can be useful.By breathing into a paper bag you can help reuse carbon-dioxide that would normally be lost on your exhalation, maintaining proper levels in the body and avoiding the symptoms of hyperventilation.Plastic bags can pose a choking hazard.There are no small items in the paper bag that could be accidentally breathed in.It can be dangerous to use this technique if you have a physical injury or disease.
Step 5: Put the bag over your mouth and nose.
You need to make sure that the paper bag breathing method completely covers your mouth and nose in order to use it properly.The carbon-dioxide will be caught in the paper bag, which will allow you to re-breathe it and reduce the effects of hyperventilating.The bag should be held with one hand.The bag can fit over your mouth and nose if you pinch it slightly.The opening of the bag should be over your mouth and nose.
Step 6: Get out of the bag.
You can begin breathing in and out of the bag after placing the paper bag over your mouth and nose.During an episode of hyperventilation, try to remain calm and breathe normally.Use the paper bag to take six to 12 breaths.As you can, breathe slowly and easily.Take six to 12 breaths and remove the bag from your mouth and nose.
Step 7: Relax on your back.
To start retraining your breathing, you will need to rest on your back and relax.You can get the most out of your breath training if you relax the entire body.Take off any clothing that is tight or restrictive.Put pillows under your knees or back for more comfort.
Step 8: You should put something over your stomach.
During an episode of hyperventilation, breathing is shallow at the chest level and rapid.If you want to have more rhythmic and complete inhalations, you will need to retrain your breathing.By placing an object on your stomach you can help keep the focus on this area and strengthen the abdominal breathing muscles.While you retrain your breathing, you can put a telephone book on your stomach.Don't buy items that are too heavy or unusual.These can make it difficult to balance on your stomach.
Step 9: Use your stomach to breathe.
You can begin to retrain your breathing after you have a suitable object placed on your stomach.The goal is to lower the item on your stomach using your abdomen as a balloon.When practicing this new way of breathing, make sure to breathe through your nose.You can purse your lips if you can't breathe through your nose.Take comfortable and rhythmic breaths.Try to breathe smoothly and avoid pauses.Your abdomen should be moving.Relax the rest of your body.
Step 10: Continue practicing.
Regular practice is needed in order to get the most out of this new method of breathing.You will become more comfortable using this method of breathing if you practice it.It is advisable to practice for at least five to 10 minutes a day.Slow down your breathing rate during practice sessions.If you want to practice this way of breathing, sit up or walk.You will want to use this method before you experience a panic attack.
Step 11: Take medication.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat your anxiety if it's caused by your hyperventilation.The medications reduce the effects of anxiety and panic attacks.Talk to your doctor about the treatments for anxiety and panic attacks.Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed to treat depression.Serotonin and reuptake inhibitors are FDA approved as antidepressants.The effects of medications can take weeks to show up.Benzodiazepines are only given for short term use.
Step 12: Work with a therapist.
Hyperventilation can be treated by a therapist.Your therapist will work with you to uncover and cope with any underlying psychological issues that may be responsible for panic or anxiety related issues and the hyperventilation they can cause.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you move beyond the physical sensations caused by panic or anxiety.It can take time for the effects to be seen.If you stick with the process for several months, your symptoms will decrease or disappear completely.
Step 13: If there is an emergency, contact your doctor.
Some cases in which hyperventilation can indicate a serious issue will require you to seek emergency services.If this is your first time experiencing rapid breathing, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following aspects.If you are in pain.If you have an illness or an injury.If your hyperventilating gets worse.There are other symptoms if your hyperventilating is accompanied by them.
Step 14: There are signs of hyperventilation.
You will need to assess the person's condition before you can help.You will need to be sure that he is hyperventilating in order to help him.Hyperventilation can be characterized by fast, shallow, chest level breathing.The person will most likely be in a state of fear.It will be difficult for the person to speak.There may be spasms in the person's hands.
Step 15: Take care of the other person.
If you think someone is hyperventilating, you can offer reassurance that she is going to be fine.During a panic attack, hyperventilating can cause even more panic, leading to an increasing cycle and worsening symptoms.It is possible to lower the amount of panic a person is feeling.Tell her that she is having a panic attack and that it is not life threatening.Your tone should be calm, relaxed, and gentle.Let her know that you are with her and won't leave.
Step 16: The person needs help raising his carbon-dioxide levels.
Symptoms associated with hyperventilating can be caused by carbon-dioxide levels falling in the body.In order to retain carbon-dioxide in the body, have the person breathe using the following methods.He could try closing the mouth and one nostril.He should only be allowed to breathe through one nostril.Emergency services should be contacted if the person turns blue, complains of pain, or appears in distress.