Hyperventilation is irregular
breathing that occurs when the rate or
tidal volume of
breathing eliminates more
carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula . It is made up of molecules that each have one carbon atom covalent bond, covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is found in a gas state at room temperature and at norma ...
than the body can produce.
This leads to
hypocapnia, a reduced concentration of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood. The body normally attempts to compensate for this
homeostatically, but if this fails or is overridden, the
blood pH will rise, leading to
respiratory alkalosis. This increases the
affinity of oxygen to hemoglobin and makes it harder for oxygen to be released into body tissues from the blood. The symptoms of respiratory alkalosis include dizziness, tingling in the lips, hands, or feet, headache, weakness, fainting, and seizures. In extreme cases, it may cause
carpopedal spasms, a flapping and contraction of the hands and feet.
[ hyperventilation include: physiological stress, ]anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion characterised by an unpleasant state of inner wikt:turmoil, turmoil and includes feelings of dread over Anticipation, anticipated events. Anxiety is different from fear in that fear is defined as the emotional response ...
or panic disorder, high altitude, head injury, stroke, respiratory disorders such as asthma, pneumonia, or hyperventilation syndrome
Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS), also known as chronic hyperventilation syndrome (CHVS), dysfunctional breathing hyperventilation syndrome, cryptotetany, spasmophilia, latent tetany, and central neuronal hyper excitability syndrome (NHS), is a r ...
,[ and adverse reactions to certain drugs.
Hyperventilation can also be induced intentionally to achieve an altered state of consciousness such as in the choking game, during breathwork, or in an attempt to extend a breath-hold dive.
]
See also
* Choking game, a game which may involve hyperventilation to induce temporary syncope and euphoria
* Control of respiration
* Kussmaul breathing
* List of terms of lung size and activity
* Respiratory alkalosis
* Shallow water blackout, the role of hyperventilation in some drowning incidents
References
External links
{{Authority control
Breathing abnormalities