b'HyperventilationChapter hapterHyperventilation (over breathing) causes an abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, (leads to a decrease in blood pressure and sometimes fainting).Emotional problems, mental stress and acute anxiety can lead to hyperventilation. Other injuries such as severe bleeding, poisoning and head injury can also lead to this condition. The patient may become so anxious and distressed, that it sometimes leads to an extreme abnormally high emotional state and collapse.How to RecogniseUnnatural rapid and deep breathing.Fear and acute anxiety/panic.Tingling sensations in the hands andfingers that sometimes leads to a claw like spasm of the thumb pulled across the palm.Cramps in the hands and feet.There may be dizziness and trembling.Chest tightness and sometimes a feelingof suffocation.Dry mouthHow to ManageIsolate the patient from others if possible. Encourage the patient to breathe slowly. By breathing in through the nose and out through themouth will help slow rapid breathing down.You may slowly count aloud to help the patient concentrate and slow their breathing rate. Reassure and rest. You will need to be purposeful and explain that the symptoms will subside once breathing returns to normal.Do not use any bag over the mouth/face for rebreathing. Even though this raises the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, as the patient is rebreathing the same air with less oxygen, it lowers the level of oxygen in the blood which can be dangerous.Not every patient who is breathing rapidly or deeply may have hyperventilation syndrome. Other more serious conditions could be presenting e.g. asthma, heart failure, pulmonary embolus, heart attack, spontaneous pheumothorax, possible poisoning or uncontrolled diabetes. Therefore, be aware that even though improvement may develop quickly, a doctors advice should be sought.Common Illness and Ailments 227'