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.
Causes
The 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 nervousness
2. Panic attack
3. Stress
4. Circumstances where there is a psychological benefit in having a sudden, dramatic illness (e.g., somatization disorder)
Medical causes are:
1. Bleeding
2. Cardiac disease, such as congestive heart failure or heart attack
3. Drugs (such as an aspirin overdose)
4. Infection such as pneumonia or sepsis
5. Ketoacidosis and similar medical conditions
6. Lung disease such as asthma, COPD, or pulmonary embolism
7. Pregnancy
8. Severe pain
9. Stimulant medicines usage
Symptoms
Fast 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. Belching
2. Bloating
3. Chest pain
4. Confusion
5. Dizziness
6. Dry mouth
7. Light-headedness
8. Muscle spasms in the hands and feet
9. Numbness and tingling in the arms or around the mouth
10. Palpitations
11. Shortness of breath
12. Sleep disturbances
13. Weakness
When 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 straight
2. Feeling as if the patient can't catch the breath
3. Chest pain or fast and pounding heartbeat
4. Belching or bloating
5. Dry mouth
6. Muscle spasms in the hands and feet
7. Numbness and tingling in the arms or around the mouth
8. Problems sleeping
Diagnosis
Blood tests for the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood
Chest CT scan is normal
ECG is performed to detect cardiac ischemia
Treatment
The patient should learn deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help cope with an anxiety or panic attack.
Regular exercise daily will...