HYPERVENTILATION SYNDROME (Panic Attack) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Breathing so fast that carbon dioxide levels in the blood are decreased, temporarily upsetting normal blood chemistry. This may occur in athletes during or following vigorous physical activity.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Feeling of severe air hunger.
Rapid breathing.
Numbness and tingling around the mouth, hands and feet.
Weakness or faintness.
Muscle spasm or contractions in the hands and feet.
Dry mouth.
Palpitations.
Fatigue.
Frequent sighing.
Fainting (occasionally).
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSA change in the normal ratio of acid to other elements in the blood caused by breathing out too much carbon dioxide. Hyperventilation can accompany fever, disease of the heart and lungs, or severe injury. If disease or injury is not present, hyperventilation is caused by anxiety. The following factors make it more likely to occur:
Stress such as that associated with competition.
Feelings of guilt.
Fatigue or overwork.
Illness such as those listed above.
Smoking.
Excess alcohol consumption.
HOW TO PREVENTAvoid anxiety-producing situations.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this disorder.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSSymptoms can be controlled with the instructions below. If hyperventilation is caused by a disease, it will stop when the disease is cured. Recurrent attacks caused by anxiety should stop if underlying stress can be eliminated.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Seizures.
Fainting.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Doctor's treatment, if the cause is organic or symptoms are prolonged.
Psychotherapy, biofeedback training or counseling, if hyperventilation occurs often and is caused by anxiety.
HOME TREATMENTDuring an attack, the following instructions will increase carbon dioxide in the blood and relieve symptoms:
Cover your mouth and nose completely with a paper bag.
Breathe slowly into the bag and rebreathe the air. The air in the bag contains additional carbon dioxide.
Breathe slowly in and out of the bag at least 10 times.
Put the bag aside and breathe normally a few minutes.
Repeat the process until the symptoms diminish or disappear.
If symptoms return, repeat the process as often as needed.
MEDICATIONMedicine usually is not necessary for this disorder.
ACTIVITYAfter treatment, resume normal activity as soon as possible.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of hyperventilation that don't diminish with self-treatment.
The following occurs during an attack: fainting, seizure or sudden fever.
You have repeated attacks of hyperventilation and want a referral to a counselor.
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