Wilderness: Hyperventilation

Black Widow vs. Brown Recluse Slideshow

• Hyperventilation Overview
• Hyperventilation Symptoms
• Hyperventilation Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Hyperventilation Overview

Hyperventilation is rapid breathing that often occurs because of anxiety. Rapid breathing results in an abnormal balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the bloodstream. Hyperventilation, by decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, causes the blood to become basic (ie, the balance of acid and base in the blood shifts to have more base). In other words, this shifts the balance of calcium and potassium across cell membranes. The imbalance of ions causes abnormal nerve and muscle function (numbness and tingling, spasms of certain muscles).