Hyperventilation

Common

Hyperventilation or dysfunctional breathing can cause various symptoms, including a light-headed feeling, instability, or dizziness. These symptoms are related to changes in breathing and the level of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Key points

In hyperventilation, a person breathes faster or deeper than necessary, which can lower carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
This can cause a light-headed feeling, instability, or tingling sensations.
It usually does not involve true rotational vertigo from the vestibular organ.
Hyperventilation can have various causes, such as stress, anxiety, or prolonged overexertion.
Treatment focuses on breathing, relaxation, and restoring a calm breathing pattern.

Symptoms

A light-headed or floating sensation.
Instability.
Shortness of breath.
Tingling in the hands or face.
A feeling of tension.

Causes

Hyperventilation can be caused by stress or tension.
Anxiety can play a role in dysfunctional breathing.
Prolonged overexertion can contribute to hyperventilation.
Changes in breathing due to illness can trigger hyperventilation.

Treatments

Treatment can focus on breathing exercises and restoring a calm and efficient breathing pattern.
Relaxation exercises can be part of the treatment.

In brief

What is hyperventilation?

In hyperventilation, a person breathes faster or deeper than necessary. This can lower carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

This change can affect blood flow to the brain and can cause symptoms such as a light-headed feeling or tingling.

Breathing

Too fast or too deep

Carbon dioxide levels in the blood can decrease.

Blood flow

Light-headed feeling

Changes in breathing affect blood flow to the brain.

Tension

Stress and anxiety

Stress, anxiety, or overexertion can trigger hyperventilation.

Next step

Would you like to have your symptoms assessed?

An initial assessment can help determine whether your symptoms are related to your breathing and which guidance may be appropriate.

Make an appointment