What is chronic hyperventilation?
Chronic hyperventilation is a physical act of consistent breathing in the air than what the body requires. It is also known as excessive breathing. Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) is a persistent condition that results from the absence of regulation of one's breathing after one episode of hyperventilation. There is no known, the only cause of HVS, although secondary psychological or physiological conditions can contribute to the development of acute and chronic cases of HVS. Treatment of chronic HVS often requires retraining of breathing and recommendation to a specialist such as a therapist or psychiatrist. Fast, shallow breathing associated with hyperventilation reduces carbon dioxide levels, leading to respiratory acidosis and blood vessel reduction. When the blood vessels are narrowed, it is prevented by oxygenated blood from achieving the brain, which worsens the functionality of nerve and circulatory systems. To properly regulate multiple body systems, it is necessary to restore the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
Most hyperventilation cases are caused by anxiety resulting from a stressful or traumatic event or situation. Secondary physical conditions such as infection, heart attack and asthma may cause the individual to be shallowly breathing and supporting an irregular respiratory pattern. Psychological disorders such as agoraphobia can contribute to the onset of chronic symptoms of hyperventilation. Individuals with chronic hyperventilation syndrome will show repeating symptoms that determine the occurrence of the occurrence - in this is the chronic aspect of the problem. In severe cases of chronic hyperventilation, an individual may develop neurological deficits such as vision changes or impaired functioning.
Conventional treatment of hyperventilation involves recovering carbon dioxide into the bloodstream. This can be achieved by breathing into a small paper bag. A paper bag can be effective in the short termHowever, the machine may result in the reintroduction of too much carbon dioxide into the bloodstream if it has been used too long. In proper training, supporting deep and slow abdominal breaths achieves the same goal as a paper bag.
Medical care should be required in the presence of hyperventilation episodes, as other diagnoses may carry the same symptoms. Individuals in the middle of the episode can experience a narrowing or pain of chest, lightness or numbness of the face or limbs. Treatment of episodes of hyperventilation depends on the severity of the episode and on the removal of secondary or basic conditions. To alleviate immediate symptoms, treatment may include the use of drugs, trained breaths, chest compression to restore a normal respiratory pattern, or in severe sedation cases. Possibilities of alleviating chronic hyperventilation symptoms may include breathing retraining, relaxation exercises and call therapy.