What happens when you overbreathe?
Normally, the depth and frequency of breathing is regulated by the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. When a person breathes more frequently than required, carbon dioxide is flushed out, the blood becomes more alkaline, and the blood vessels in the brain constrict. This explains the whole range of complaints: dizziness, fog in the head, numbness and tingling in the fingers and around the mouth, convulsive contraction of the hands, palpitations. In addition, the work of calcium in tissues changes, which increases muscle tension. The feeling of lack of air increases anxiety, anxiety increases breathing - the circle closes.
- Flushing carbon dioxide from the blood
- Constriction of blood vessels in the brain
- Feeling of incomplete inspiration and yawning
- Numbness in the fingers and area around the mouth
- Vicious circle of anxiety and breathing
How it manifests itself
Complaints are rarely limited to breathing. People describe an inability to breathe deeply, frequent yawning and deep sighs, a lump in the throat, and tightness in the chest. Palpitations, sweating, trembling, lightheadedness, a feeling of unreality of what is happening, fear of suffocation or death are added. The attack lasts from several minutes to an hour, often begins in transport, in a queue, in a stuffy room or after a conflict. Between attacks, a person may breathe shallowly and sigh frequently without noticing it.
- Feeling of incomplete inspiration
- Frequent sighs and yawning
- Lump in throat and tightness in chest
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Numbness and tingling in the hands
- Heart palpitations and fear
What to exclude
The diagnosis of hyperventilation syndrome is made by exclusion, because shortness of breath is caused by many serious illnesses. Be sure to evaluate heart function, lung condition, hemoglobin level and thyroid function. The doctor is alarmed by shortness of breath during exertion, which was previously easily tolerated, night awakenings from lack of air, swelling, cough, and fever. Of particular concern is the combination of shortness of breath with chest pain or swelling of one leg - this can manifest as pulmonary embolism.
- Bronchial asthma and COPD
- Coronary heart disease and arrhythmias
- Anemia
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Diseases of the vocal folds
Survey
The examination is usually short and clear. ECG and, if necessary, echocardiography evaluate the heart; spirometry shows bronchial patency; A complete blood count excludes anemia; TSH tests the thyroid gland. If all results are normal, and complaints are repeated and associated with situations of tension, the diagnosis becomes obvious. Sometimes the doctor will ask you to intentionally breathe more often under supervision in order to reproduce familiar sensations: this helps the person confirm the nature of the symptoms and reduces fear.
- ECG with interpretation
- Spirometry
- General blood test
- TSH
- EchoCG according to indications
- Diary of attacks and their circumstances
What helps
During an attack, it is important to slow down your exhalation: inhale through your nose on a count of three, exhale through slightly closed lips on a count of six, breathe with your stomach, not your chest. Breathing into a paper bag is not currently recommended - it is unsafe if the cause of shortness of breath is different. Regular breathing exercises, aerobic exercise, normalization of sleep and work with a psychotherapist provide long-term effects: cognitive behavioral therapy helps well with panic and anxiety disorders. If anxiety is severe, the doctor may prescribe medication support; you cannot select it yourself.
- Extended exhalation and belly breathing
- Regular breathing exercises
- Aerobic exercise 3–5 times a week
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Sleep at least 7 hours, less caffeine
- Do not use a paper bag for breathing