A 35-year-old member asked:
hyperventilation - why is it so seldom diagnosed in people?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
It is usually: Diagnosed as panic disorder because hyperventilation in the absence of other symptoms of panic is rare. Some other illnesses that can trigger hyperventilation are strokes, lung disease, over-exhaustion, and head injuries.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 46-year-old member asked:
Why does hyperventilation reduce intracranial pressure?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michio Abeanswered
Internal Medicine 26 years experience
Vasoconstriction: Hyperventilation causes low carbon dioxide which leads to increased blood pH level (alkalosis) which causes blood vessels to constrict. Alkalosis also causes decreased freely ionized blood calcium, which results in cell membrane instability and subsequent blood vessel constriction. Hyperventilation reduces intracranial pressure as a result of this vasoconstriction within the brain.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 40-year-old member asked:
I have difficulty catching breath. Could this be due to hyperventilation?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Mackinnonanswered
Anesthesiology 33 years experience
Not really: Hyperventilation is the normal reaction by the body to a situation where increased minute ventilation (both rate and depth of breathing) is required, such as exercise. If one hyperventilates while at rest, it can indicate either pulmonary disease, heart disease, central nervous system disorder, anemia, or anxiety. All of these situations should be evaluated by a physician or other provider.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Is there a way to treat hyperventilation?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Schlesselanswered
Specializes in General Surgery
Yes: If you are breathing too fast for no physiologic reason, such as for fever or vigorous exercise, then breathing into a paper bag would be helpful.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Hyperventilation, what size paper bag?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Charles Davantanswered
Family Medicine 49 years experience
Whatever: Can you still find a paper bag? The idea is to build up co2 levels so the smallest bag that will cover both your nose and mouth and hold a good breath would work. But a big bag would probably work almost as fast if that's all you have. Plastic would not be a good idea.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Is it harmful to be getting high from hyperventilation?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Hoffmananswered
Psychiatry 57 years experience
Aw, c'mon: As long as you are getting high; why care about destroying your brain.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 25, 2013
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