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Rapid breathing
Definition:
Excessive, rapid, and deep breathing resulting in the decrease of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Alternative Names:
Fast breathing; Tachypnea; Respiratory rate - rapid; Breathing - rapid; Hyperventilation

Considerations:
Hyperventilation is not uncommon in young adults. It is more common in women, but is also frequent in men.

It usually occurs in people who are nervous and tense, but can also be a symptom of certain diseases and disorders.
Common Causes:
Home Care:
Symptoms that result from rapid breathing can often be eliminated by breathing into a paper bag, so that the carbon dioxide is taken back into the lungs. This process usually takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes with a small PAPER bag held loosely over both the nose and the mouth.

Reassure the person that the hyperventilation is a symptom, not a disease. Usually when the anxiety or fear subsides, the symptom will subside also.
Call your health care provider if:
  • you fear whether there is another cause for the hyperventilation other than stress or anxiety.
  • there is severe pain.
  • hyperventilation persists despite home treatment, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:
  • How fast is the breathing?
  • Is there nasal flaring, use of the chest muscles (intercostal retractions), blue skin (cyanosis), or other signs of difficulty breathing?
  • Does the person feel short of breath? Do they complain of air hunger?
  • What physical problems does the person have? Are they diabetic or have preexistent heart or lung disease?
  • What medications has the person taken?
  • What is happening in the person's life?
  • Is there a feeling of anxiety or stress?
  • Did anxiety trigger the hyperventilation, or did the hyperventilation occur and then the person become anxious?
  • Is there pain? How much? What type? Where?
  • What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination will include an examination of the heart and lungs.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: Intervention:
An anti-anxiety drug may be administered if this is thought to be the cause of the hyperventilation. Counseling may also be appropriate. Any other medical problem must be dealt with individually.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to hyperventilation to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 11/30/2001
Reviewed By: Steven Angelo, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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