About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 7, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
1
2
3
...
Next»

Hyperventilation

Medical Author:
Ira H Tilles, MD
Coauthor:
Kimberly A Sing, MD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Jeter (Jay) Pritchard Taylor III, MD

Hyperventilation Overview

Hyperventilation is breathingin excess of whatthe body needs. This is sometimes called overbreathing. Rapid or deep breathing is sometimes seen in very serious conditions such as infection, bleeding, or heart attack.

Hyperventilation syndrome is more specific andrelates toan overbreathing pattern that happens under certain conditions. This overbreathing results in a group of symptoms.

Although hyperventilation syndrome may seem very similar to panic attacks, the 2 disorders are different.

  • Those with panic disorder often have emotional complaints (for example, fear of death or closed-in spaces) with their attacks.
  • If you have hyperventilation syndrome, however, you will have certain symptoms without these emotional complaints (although you still may be anxious).

Next Page:
Hyperventilation Causes»
1
2
3
...
Next»

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Hyperventilation - Causes

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of your hyperventilation?

View 1 Comment | Submit Your Comment
Privacy Policy

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.



Hyperventilation

Stress »

Stress Overview

Everyone is familiar with stress. We experience it in varying forms and degrees every day. In small doses, stress can actually be beneficial to us. It is only when the stress becomes too great, affecting our physical or mental functioning, that it becomes a problem.

  • In small doses, stressors can help give us increased energy and alertness, even helping to keep us focused on the problem at hand. This type of stress is good. People may refer to the experience of this type of stress as feeling "pumped" or "wired."
  • As the level of pressure gets too great, stress eventually surpasses our ability to cope with it in a positive way. Often, people describe themselves as being stressed out, burned out, or at wits end. At this point, it is important to find positive and productive ways to deal with the stress and, more importantly, to address the person or situation that is causing the stress.
  • Everyone reacts to stress diffe...

Read the Stress article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Hyperventilation Syndrome »

Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) represents a relatively common ED presentation that is readily recognized by most clinicians.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

Featured Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies