Hyperventilation has been mocked in many movies and on television, but it is a condition that should be taken seriously. Anyone who has suffered from hyperventilation can assure you that it is not something to be taken lightly.
Hyperventilation is unfortunately something that you will have a good chance of experiencing if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks. In fact, approximately 50% of people with panic disorder will suffer from hyperventilation.[*]
What Is Hyperventilation?
In simple terms, hyperventilation is characterized by an increased breathing rate, which leads to a deficiency of carbon dioxide in the blood. This deficiency raises the blood’s pH value, which can lead to a constriction of blood vessels that supply the brain, which in turn can prevent the transportation of molecules that are vital to life around the body.[*]
When Is Home Hyperventilation Treatment Not Appropriate?
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If you are experiencing what you think is hyperventilation for the first time, do not leave it to chance. You should go to the emergency room immediately. You may be suffering from something more serious. Never self-diagnose! Home hyperventilation treatment is typically only for those who have previously been diagnosed by a medical professional.
Hyperventilation isn’t typically painful. If you are experiencing any pain or bleeding, home treatment is not the answer.
If you are in any way worried about the aggressiveness of your hyperventilation, or if your symptoms are worsening, please seek qualified medical advice. Do not be afraid to head to your local emergency room – it is always better to be safe than sorry.
If hyperventilation symptoms persist for more than 30 minutes, seek medical advice immediately.
Home Treatment Of Hyperventilation
The aim of treating hyperventilation is to normalize the level of carbon dioxide in your blood.
Positive Thoughts And Words
Something you should always be doing, regardless of any physical ‘technique’ you choose to employ, is trying to relax. Attitude is incredibly important in controlling hyperventilation, just like with panic attacks. Consider that the cause of this is entirely inside of your head – this is something that you can control.
You should make friends and family aware of the chances of you suffering from hyperventilation. This means that when the attacks occur, they can be prepped to help you. How can they help? By offering soothing and calming words, such as “you are doing fine” and “everything is going to be okay”.
Breathing Techniques
The most effective way of bringing your carbon dioxide levels back up is to limit the speed of your breathing.
There are a few techniques that you can employ. By pursing your lips (like you are whistling), you can better control the rate of your breathing. Also, breathing through your nose limits the intake of air (relative to breathing through your mouth), and it is even more effective if you pinch one nostril. The key is to limit the intake of air.
You can also try a technique known as ‘belly breathing’. Place one hand on your belly, and the other on your chest. Take as deep and slow a breath as possible through your nose, and as you do, let your belly push your hand away from your body. Then exhale through pursed lips. Use your hand to help push all of the air out of your belly. Repeat all of the above three to ten times, as slowly as you can.
Regardless of which technique you employ, you want to concentrate on slowing your breathing down as much as possible.
The Paper Bag Technique
This is a technique that is seemingly associated as a stereotype when it comes to hyperventilation. However, it is no longer a method that is recommended by medical professionals,[*] so please, only use the breathing techniques detailed above.
Long Term Treatment
The above methods are of course only short term remedies to the immediate symptoms of hyperventilation, but they do nothing for stopping it happening again. In order to prevent future attacks from occurring, you need to target and resolve the underlying issues.
Given that you are on this site, I assume that the underlying issues are anxiety and/or panic attacks. So be sure to browse through the site to find out how you can start to control your anxiety and panic issues.
Additional Sources
Photo courtesy of bhav.bhav
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