Exams and Tests

The doctor will rapidly examine you, especially your breathing and circulation. If the doctor does not find anything immediately life threatening, the doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam.

• Certain tests to check for other causes for your complaints may be ordered because the only way to be sure that you have hyperventilation syndrome is to eliminate other causes. You may have an IV started and may be hooked up to a monitor during the evaluation. The doctor may order these tests:

• Arterial blood sample
  
  
• Other blood tests
  
  
• Chest x-ray film
  
  
• Ventilation/perfusion scan
  
  
• Chest CT scan
  
  
• ECG (heart tracing)

• If the doctor feels that you may have a condition more serious than hyperventilation syndrome, the doctor may recommend that you stay in the hospital for further tests and observation. Life-threatening conditions associated with rapid or deep breathing are these:

• Heart problems
  
  
• Lung problems
  
  
• Nervous system problems
  
  
• Drug reactions and poisons
  
  
• Infection
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• Liver disorders