Abnormal breathing can be caused by various conditions, such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and cardiovascular complications. Additionally, stress, anxiety, and panic can also cause breathing problems. One of the most common types is hyperventilation, which is characterised by deep, rapid, and shallow breathing.
On average, people take about 12–15 breaths a minute, as per the American Lung Association (ALA).
Breathing at a normal pace helps oxygen enter the lungs and helps carbon dioxide be released. However, hyperventilation, or rapid breathing, disrupts this balance. It ends up removing excessive amounts of carbon dioxide from the body, leading to various complications.
Also Read: Lung Health: 7 Different Ways To Know Your Lungs Are Functioning Properly
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sivaresmi Unnithan, Consultant Pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, explains what hyperventilation is, how it impacts the body, and ways to stop and prevent it.
Understanding Hyperventilation And Its Causes
Stress, anxiety, or panic have a tendency to cause rapip breathing, which may lead to a feeling of breathlessness, says Dr Unnithan.
“When this happens, the levels of carbon dioxide decrease, in turn creating a disbalance in the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body, he explains, adding that low carbon dioxide leads to narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, causing a feeling of lightheadedness and tingling in the fingers.
This abnormal involvement of deep, rapid breathing is known as hyperventilation.
According to the doctor, although hyperventilation is rare and occasional, it can be a response mechanism for emotions such as anger, depression, and anxiety.
A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that primary hyperventilation is most commonly caused by psychological factors, with women being more prone to it and fear as the most common symptom.
Other causes of hyperventilation include:
- Fever
- Bleeding
- Head injuries
- Infection in the lungs, COPD, or asthma
- Pregnancy
- Travelling to elevations up to 6,000 feet
- Overdose of drugs like aspirin
Common Symptoms Of Hyperventilation
Sharing some common symptoms of hyperventilation, Dr Unnithan lists:
- Pin-prick sensation and tingling of the tips of fingers and toes
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Difficulty breathing
- Dyspnea
- Dry mouth
- Muscle cramps or spasms, especially in the hands and feet
- Rapid increase of heartbeat or palpitation
- Physical weakness
- Confusion and/or difficulty focusing
- Disturbances in the sleep cycle
How To Manage and Prevent Hyperventilation
In the event of hyperventilation, or rapid breathing, a person can adopt the following measures to manage or prevent the condition:
- Breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, covering one nostril while breathing from the other.
- Practising techniques of relaxation like meditation, yoga, and the like.
- Seeking psychotherapy (if the underlying cause is depression or anxiety).
- Getting reassurance from someone.
- Exercising regularly
To treat hyperventilation promptly, you can breathe in and out in a paper bag for at least four cycles of ten breaths. This is an effective primary treatment for hyperventilation, as per Dr Unnithan.
Conclusion
Hyperventilation refers to rapid breathing, often leading to imbalances in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the body. While it can arise from various triggers, such as anxiety or medical conditions, understanding its symptoms and potential causes is crucial for effective management. You can manage it with paced breathing, mindfulness, and addressing underlying triggers. One must seek medical attention for persistent or severe episodes to rule out any underlying health concerns and ensure appropriate treatment.