What does hyperventilation feel like?

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to breathe so quickly that you start feeling lightheaded and dizzy? Well, wonder no more! Hyperventilation can be a scary experience, but fear not – we’re here to walk you through it. In this article, we’ll dive into the common signs and symptoms of hyperventilation, as well as how to manage an episode when it happens.

Understanding Hyperventilation

Before we explore what hyperventilation feels like, let’s define what it is. Hyperventilation is characterized by rapid breathing or breathing too deeply for an extended period. This results in a decreased level of carbon dioxide in the blood which leads to various symptoms.

How Does It Happen?

There are many possible causes behind hyperventilation:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Physical exertion
• Asthma and other respiratory disorders
• High altitudes

No matter the cause though, one thing remains constant: your body starts getting rid of CO2 faster than usual.

The Importance of Carbon Dioxide

You might not think much about carbon dioxide (CO2) on a daily basis because adequate levels within our bloodstream generally go unnoticed. However, proper balance between oxygen intake from breathing air and releasing CO2 helps maintain homeostasis within our bodies[1]. If there’s too little CO2 during hyperventilating episodes due to fast respiration rate or shallow breaths may make someone paradoxically suffer from shortness-of-breath symptoms because tissues unable access CO2 required for certain functions[5] with appropriate pH levels which then allows oxygenated blood cell release energy[6].

Common Symptoms of Hyperventilation

Hyperventilating can bring about some very uncomfortable sensations whether experienced physically , mentally or related socially [7]-so all-around awful!. Here are just a few things you might expect to experience during an episode:

Physical Symptoms

1) Lightheadedness
As your body gets rid of CO2, your brain receives less blood flow and oxygen [8]. This can make you feel disoriented, dizzy and unsteady on your feet.

2) Tingling in Hands or Feet
Your extremities might start feeling tingly or numb due to low carbon dioxide levels. It’s mainly associated with reduced levels of calcium ions[9].

3) Shortness of Breath/Difficulty Breathing
Many people may assume that hyperventilation leads to deep rapid breathing air which means that there is no shortage of breath. However, what’s interesting here is tissues need CO2 for smooth muscles- like those surrounding the bronchioles-to keep them relaxed allowing airflow reach distal areas expelling waste effectively during expiration[6]

Mental Symptoms

4) Fear/Anxiety/Panic Attack
If such episodes happen suddenly panic may arise led by overextended sympathetic response meaning cortisol surge triggering hypothalamus via amygdala then activating sympathetic ganglia nerves stimulating hormonal imbalance causing both physical symptoms (e.g., sweating , trembling , palpitations ) as well psychological distresses including acute anxiety leading up full-fledged panic attack if left unchecked .

5) Mood Swings
Hyped ventilation may also cause mood fluctuations ranging from irritability first followed by depression characterized by lack energy that leaves person dull completing regular activities normally done .

Managing Hyperventilation

Remember we mentioned above listed some health conditions trigger hyperventilating episodes leading extra oxygen intake resulting faster C02 clearance? Painful instances since at times such events happen unintendedly without warning preparation despite repeated attempts stop it sugggesting necessity managing these forms symptoms when they decide show up because seem relentless !!!

First Steps

Once you realize you’re hyperventilating, follow these steps:

• Slow down your breathing
• Breathe into a paper bag or cupped hands if available ensuring exhalation should be longer than inhalation.
• Try relaxing activities like meditation, gentle exercises or playing casual games!

Seek Medical Attention

If hyperventilation persists and shows no evidence of stopping on its own, seeking medical attention becomes crucial since certain health issues can lead to an increased risk[2] Unless properly treated by physician who closely identifies root causes sugggesting treatment plan geared towards specific underlying condition rather this effects only surface at best making it likely recurrence even when breathing techniques practiced regularly.

Conclusion

Hyperventilating is a common experience for people but is treatable. Remember that the fear experienced during episodes will go away with time just as symptoms fade over time too , reducing overall freakouts occurrence . With proper understanding about various related aspects plus actionable approaches (such slow deep breaths while focusing on exhaling process), one can manage unwanted emotional reactios effectively enabling better control outcomes in any stressful situation.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534843/
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324317#need-to-know
[3] https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/oxygen-level/
[4]https:/ /pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31670754-experimental-study-of-hypocapnic-breathing-in-health-and-disease-a-review-pathophysiological-measurement-depression-anxiety-heart-failure-obstructive-sleep-apnea-and-cancer-cure/?from_term=CO%20leve
l%20in%20blood&from_pos=1
[5] http://file.scirp.org/pdf/MME20130300002_63882028.pdf
[6]http://jp.physoc.org/content/556/Pt_1/321.full
[7]https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/symptoms
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4896184/
[9] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/_Images/CSE_Crafoord-presentation_Pediatric-Presentations-Hyperventilation_Slide3-large.jpg