Hyperventilation is the term used to describe the symptoms and signs resulting from over-breathing.

In this condition, the rate and depth of breathing exceeds what is required to maintain normal levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Consequently, the carbon dioxide level in the arterial blood falls, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms. Anxiety is usually present.

Recognition

Symptoms may include:

• Light-headedness
• Shortness of breath
• Being unable to get enough breath in
• Chest discomfort
• A feeling of panic and impending death
• Blurred vision
• Tingling of fingers, toes, and lips
• Palpitations
• A feeling of detachment and not being in full control of the body (depersonalisation).

Signs may include:

• Rapid breathing
• Occasional deep, sighing breaths
• Rapid pulse
• Altered level of consciousness e.g., fainting
• Hand and finger spasm (carpo-pedal spasm) in advanced attacks. The fingers and wrists become claw-like with the thumb held stiffly across the palm.

Management of Hyperventilation

• Reassure the victim and encourage the person to slow down their breathing.
• If the symptoms of hyperventilation are unresolved, call for an ambulance.

Not every person who is breathing deeply or rapidly is hyperventilating. Other more serious conditions which could cause this include:

• Asthma attack
• Heart failure
• Pulmonary embolus
• Heart attack
• Spontaneous pneumothorax
• Some poisoning incidents
• Uncontrolled diabetes

If any of the above conditions are suspected, call 000 for an ambulance.