School Clinic Operations

Treatment for Hyperventilation Syndrome

Hyperventilation Syndrome
Usual Triggers:

 Anxiety
 Emotional Distress
 Panic Attacks
Cause: When emotional distress occurs due to a stressful situation, breathing
may become more rapid and shallow affecting exchange of oxygen and carbon
dioxide when Oxygen levels increase disproportionately a chemical imbalance
occurs in the blood, HYPERVENTILATION occurs.
Symptoms of Hyperventilation Syndrome

 Breathlessness
 Tightness on Chest
 Anxiety
 Dizziness
OVERUSE of Upper Chest Muscles (Accessory Muscles of Breathing) leads to
exhaustion causing pain and even more rapid and shallower breathing leading
to breathlessness and tightness of the chest.
The Hyperventilation Cycle

Stress

Hyperventilation

Symptoms Anxiety

More Hyperventilation

https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperventilation,
https://hellodoctor.com.ph/healthy-habits/first-aid/hyperventilation-first-aid/, https://www.cm.be/ziekte-en-
behandeling/klachten-en-ziekten/hyperventilatie
Treatment for HYPERVENTILATION

Emotional First Aid

The main focus of dealing with hyperventilation is getting air intake at a controlled pace.
However, if the causes are emotional, emotional first aid like reassurance and calming
techniques are more appropriate.

Emotional responses to another known condition are quite similar to that of

hyperventilation: anxiety.

Paper Bag Technique

 Take 6 to 12 breaths at an easy, natural pace.

 Hold a small paper bag over your mouth and nose as you breathe.
 This is also effective when done before belly breathing or alternating between the
two until the rate of breathing is sufficiently slowed.

Keep in mind that this method must not be used if you have heart or lung problems..
Plastic bags are not suitable substitutes to paper bags since they restrict air exchange. If
necessary, make sure to remove the paper bag from your mouth and nose in between
breaths.

https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperventilation,
https://hellodoctor.com.ph/healthy-habits/first-aid/hyperventilation-first-aid/, https://www.cm.be/ziekte-en-
behandeling/klachten-en-ziekten/hyperventilatie