Hyperventilation Symptoms & Treatment

Hyperventilation is the term used to describe the act of breathing more quickly and deeply than normal, and which causes excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the blood. This can lead to alkalosis (an increase in blood alkalinity). It can occur at high altitudes, as a result of heavy exercise, during panic attacks, or as a response to poisoning (as in an aspirin overdose).

Hyperventilation associated with uncontrolled diabetes or with kidney failure represents the body’s efforts to eliminate excess carbon dioxide in dealing with acidosis.

Chronic hyperventilation is association with a combination of fatigue and over-arousal (lack of sleep, plus stress, for instance); it may also stem from organic problems in the brain, or in the lungs themselves. Acute attacks are usually a reaction to emotional or physical trauma.

Symptoms 
• a feeling of not getting enough air
• the muscles of the forearms and calves may go into spasm

TREATMENT 

Ayurveda 
An Ayurvedic medical practitioner would balance the tri-doshas, and use panchakarma for balancing the vátha.

Chinese Herbalism 
A Chinese herbalist might suggest ginseng, Chinese angelica, and white peony root with thorowax root for relaxation. Treatment would be designed to strengthen the Spleen and enliven Liver.

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies
Oats contain thiamine and pantothenic acid, which act as gentle nerve tonics.

Herbalism 
Herbal remedies would be used to calm the nervous system and to relax you. Skullcap and valerian are useful herbs, blended together for best effect. Drink this as a tea three times daily while suffering symptoms. Lady’s slipper and limeflowers may also work to ease factors which may be causing the condition.

Aromatherapy
A relaxing blend of essential oils of lavender, geranium, and bergamot in sweet almond oil or peach kernel oil may be used in the bath at times of great stress and anxiety.

Homeopathy 
Take Aconite every 5 minutes for up to six doses in an acute attack. Constitutional treatment will be necessary for chronic conditions.

Flower Essences 
Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence will help to calm you in an attack. Elm, for an attack linked to anxiety accompanying a feeling of being unable to cope. Aspen, for an attack caused by anxiety for no reason.

Vitamins and Minerals
Increase your intake of B vitamins, which work on the nervous system. Avoid caffeine in any form.