Hyperventilation occurs when you start to breathe very quickly, causing an imbalance between inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide (CO2). This reduces the amount of CO2 in the body.

Low carbon dioxide levels lead to the narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. This reduction in blood supply to the brain leads to symptoms like lightheadedness and tingling in the fingers. Severe hyperventilation can lead to loss of consciousness.

For some people, hyperventilation is rare. It only occurs as an occasional, panicked response to fear, stress, or a phobia.

For others, this condition occurs as a response to emotional states, such as depression, anxiety, or anger. When hyperventilation is a frequent occurrence, it’s known as hyperventilation syndrome.

Hyperventilation is also known as:

  • rapid (or fast) deep breathing
  • overbreathing
  • respiratory rate (or breathing) — rapid and deep

There are many factors that can lead to hyperventilation. This condition most commonly results from anxiety, panic, nervousness, or stress. It often takes the form of a panic attack.

Other causes include:

Hyperventilation can be a serious issue. Symptoms can last 20 to 30 minutes. You should seek treatment for hyperventilation when the following symptoms occur:

  • rapid, deep breathing for the first time
  • hyperventilation that gets worse, even after trying home care options
  • pain
  • fever
  • bleeding
  • feeling anxious, nervous, or tense
  • frequent sighing or yawning
  • a pounding and racing heartbeat
  • problems with balance, lightheadedness, or vertigo
  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or around the mouth
  • chest tightness, fullness, pressure, tenderness, or pain

Other symptoms occur less often and it may not be obvious they’re related to hyperventilation. Some of these symptoms are:

  • headache
  • gas, bloating, or burping
  • twitching
  • sweating
  • vision changes, such as blurred or tunnel vision
  • problems with concentration or memory
  • loss of consciousness (fainting)

Make sure to let your doctor know if you have recurring symptoms. You may have a condition called hyperventilation syndrome. This syndrome isn’t well understood and has similar symptoms to panic disorder. It’s often misdiagnosed as asthma.

If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

It’s important to try to stay calm in acute cases of hyperventilation. It may be helpful to have someone with you to coach you through the episode. The goal of treatment during an episode is to increase carbon dioxide levels in your body and work to slow your breathing rate.

Home care

You can try some immediate techniques to help treat acute hyperventilation:

  • Breathe through pursed lips.
  • Breathe slowly into a paper bag or cupped hands.
  • Attempt to breathe into your belly (diaphragm) rather than your chest.
  • Hold your breath for 10 to 15 seconds at a time.

You can also try alternate nostril breathing. This involves covering your mouth and alternating breathing through each nostril.

With your mouth covered, close the right nostril and breathe in through the left. Then alternate by closing the left nostril and breathing in through the right. Repeat this pattern until breathing has returned to normal.

You may also find that vigorous exercise, such as a brisk walk or jog, while breathing in and out of your nose helps with hyperventilation.

Stress reduction

If you have hyperventilation syndrome, you want to figure out what is causing it. If you experience anxiety or stress, you may want to see a psychologist to help you understand and treat your condition.

Learning stress reduction and breathing techniques will help to control your condition.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may also be an effective treatment for hyperventilation syndrome.

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment based on ancient Chinese medicine. It involves placing thin needles into areas of the body to promote healing. One preliminary study found that acupuncture helped reduce anxiety and the severity of hyperventilation.

Medication

Depending on the severity, your doctor may also prescribe medication. Examples of medications for hyperventilation include:

You can learn breathing and relaxation techniques to help prevent hyperventilation. These include:

  • meditation
  • alternate nostril breathing, deep belly breathing, and full body breathing
  • mind/body exercises, such as tai chi, yoga, or qigong

Exercising regularly (walking, running, bicycling, etc.) can also help to prevent hyperventilation.

Remember to stay calm if you experience any of the symptoms of hyperventilation. Try the at-home breathing methods to get your breathing back on track, and make sure to go see your doctor.

Hyperventilation is treatable, but you may have underlying problems. Your doctor can help you get to the root of the problem and find an appropriate treatment.