Hyperventilation
In hyperventilation (hi-per-ven-tuh-LAY-shun), your breathing is so rapid that it upsets the balance of gases in your blood. One of these gases is carbon dioxide. Hyperventilation reduces the carbon dioxide level in the blood, causing symptoms that resemble a heart attack.
Causes
Hyperventilation is usually brought on by anxiety, stress, or hysteria.
Signs/Symptoms
Common symptoms are shortness of breath; fast breathing; chest pain; weakness; dizziness; and numbness and tingling around the mouth, hands, and feet. You may have blurred vision, feel like your heart is racing, have muscle tightness in your hands and feet, or feel faint.
Care
Since it is hard to avoid stress, try to control it. Learn new ways to relax (deep breathing, relaxing muscles, meditation, or biofeedback). Talk to someone about things that upset you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- During an attack, try to slow your breathing. Take 1 breath every 10 seconds.
- Do not breathe into a paper bag. This can be dangerous because you may not get enough oxygen.
- You may need help to deal with the stress or anxiety that may be causing you to hyperventilate. Family, friends, clergy, your doctor, or a mental health center may be able to help.
Panic Attack
Panic attacks are a type of anxiety disorder. They are marked by overwhelming feelings of fear that last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two. They may strike for no apparent reason. The problem can usually be treated with a combination of counseling and medicine. If not treated, the attacks can lead to more severe problems.
Causes
Illness, stress, or certain medicines may trigger the first attack. Past injuries and dangers may also be a factor. Fear of additional attacks can actually set them off.
Signs/Symptoms
Adrenaline (uh-DREN-uh-lin), a chemical made by your system in response to danger (real or imagined), causes many of the body changes typically felt during a panic attack. Among these symptoms are a feeling of dread, fear, or danger; a fast heart rate and breathing; trembling; upset stomach; dry mouth; sweating; dizziness or fainting; and sometimes diarrhea. You may also feel detached from the people or things around you.
Care
The doctor may run tests for underlying physical disorders. Certain tranquilizers and antidepressant medications can relieve the attacks. Counseling may help you understand the cause of the panic and prepare you to deal effectively with the attacks. Learning to relax through muscle relaxation or biofeedback techniques can reduce your overall level of anxiety.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Don't smoke, use drugs, drink alcohol, or take high-caffeine foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. They can either cause anxiety or make your symptoms worse.
- Try to spend time outdoors.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Muscle relaxation or aerobic exercise (such as walking) can help you relax. Ask your doctor to recommend the best exercise program for you.
- Take any medications exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dosage. If you feel the medicine is not helping, let your doctor know; but don't stop taking it on your own. It is important to stick with a regular program of therapy.
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