Hyperventilation, often known as over breathing, occurs when your breathing is faster or deeper than normal. The experience can be alarming, as it often brings with it a flurry of symptoms that might seem hard to understand at first.

What Happens When You Hyperventilate?

1. Breathing Imbalance

First and foremost, hyperventilation results in an imbalance in your body’s oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Normally, when you breathe, you inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by the body’s metabolic processes.

However, if you’re hyperventilating, you’re expelling more carbon dioxide than your body can produce. This leads to a state known as respiratory alkalosis, where there’s too little carbon dioxide in your bloodstream.

2. Physical Symptoms

Hyperventilation often presents with a range of physical symptoms. For that reason, you might experience lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, confusion, and even fainting. This is because the decrease in carbon dioxide levels affects the way your cells function, including those in your brain.

You might also feel your heart racing, which can be unsettling. In fact, many people who hyperventilate for the first time worry they’re having a heart attack because the physical sensations can feel intense.

3. Tingling Sensation and Muscle Spasms

When you hyperventilate, you may also notice a tingling or numb sensation in your hands, feet, or around your mouth. This is due to the effects of reduced carbon dioxide levels on your nervous system. Additionally, in extreme cases, this condition can lead to muscle spasms or tetany, which often affects the hands and feet.

4. Panic and Anxiety

Hyperventilation is commonly associated with panic attacks and high-stress situations. When you’re feeling anxious, you might breathe more quickly without realizing it, which can lead to hyperventilation. This, in turn, can intensify feelings of panic and anxiety, creating a feedback loop that can be difficult to break without intervention.

5. Underlying Health Conditions

While stress and anxiety are common triggers, hyperventilation can also be a symptom of underlying health conditions. These might include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary embolism, and heart failure. Therefore, if you frequently hyperventilate, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out these conditions.

Conclusion

Hyperventilation can be a scary experience, but understanding what happens to your body during an episode can help you manage the situation better. If you find yourself frequently hyperventilating, remember to seek medical advice. In many cases, teaching relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or addressing underlying health issues can significantly reduce episodes of hyperventilation, leading to improved quality of life.