The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Hyperventilation Syndrome

Breathing more than necessary leads to striking symptoms due to low carbon dioxide.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Hyperventilation Syndrome?

Hyperventilation syndrome is a functional respiratory disorder characterized by a fall in blood carbon dioxide (CO2) levels (hypocapnia) and consequent rise in blood pH due to breathing in excess of metabolic demand.

Anxiety, panic disorder, or stress are the most common triggers. The decreased CO2 constricts cerebral and peripheral vessels, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, dizziness, and palpitations.

It can mimic organic pulmonary, cardiac, and neurological diseases, so it may be missed or misdiagnosed. Breathing training and anxiety management form the basis of treatment.

Symptoms

Numbness and tingling around hands, feet, and mouth
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Palpitations
Chest tightness or pain
Sense of inability to breathe and choking
Carpopedal spasm (cramping of hands and feet)

Risk Factors

Anxiety disorder and panic attacks
High-stress life conditions
Perfectionist personality traits
Individuals previously diagnosed with organic disease
Female sex (more common)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Organic causes (cardiac, neurological, metabolic) must be ruled out at the first attack
  • Pulmonology or psychiatry evaluation for frequent recurrent attacks
  • Psychotherapist support if panic disorder is present
  • For respiratory physiotherapy training

Treatment Methods

01
Diaphragmatic breathing and controlled breathing exercises
02
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
03
Anxiety management and relaxation techniques
04
Identifying and managing triggering stress factors
05
Short-term anxiolytic drug support if needed

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Asthma

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Asthma is characterized by wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath attacks; with proper treatment it can be kept under control.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

COPD is an irreversible lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and chronic cough; quitting smoking slows its progression.

Pneumonia

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pneumonia presents with high fever, cough and shortness of breath; the vast majority recover with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Tuberculosis presents with weeks-to-months of cough, fever, and night sweats; early diagnosis and treatment lead to full recovery.

Pleural Effusion

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, resulting from imbalances in fluid production and removal, and represents a manifestation of diverse cardiopulmonary, infectious, and malignant disorders.

Pneumothorax

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space resulting in partial or complete lung collapse, classified as spontaneous (primary/secondary), traumatic, or iatrogenic, with tension pneumothorax representing a life-threatening emergency.

Bronchitis (Acute and Chronic)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Acute bronchitis is mostly viral and resolves spontaneously, while chronic bronchitis is a smoking-related component of COPD.

Bronchiectasis

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by permanent, abnormal dilation of bronchi with associated destruction of muscular and elastic components of airway walls, resulting in impaired mucociliary clearance and recurrent infection.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.