What Are the Different Causes of Hyperventilation?

Hyperventilation results when breathing becomes more rapid and heavier than normal. Common causes of hyperventilation come from anything ranging from stress to intense exercising and medications. The rapid breathing may also indicate signs of certain medical conditions, from common issues like asthma to more rare diseases. Treatment for hyperventilation depends on what causes the problem, but it commonly includes home care. A physician should always be consulted when hyperventilation occurs in order to determine the cause.

Improper breathing techniques in general may sometimes trigger hyperventilation. Normally, a person breathes in oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. By contrast, overbreathing causes carbon dioxide levels to drop in the blood, triggering several symptoms of hyperventilation.

Oftentimes, stress or anxiety trigger hyperventilation. Stress from work or other lifestyle situations may lead to feelings of nervousness, which in turn can produce symptoms such as rapid breathing, followed by palpitations, lightheadedness, as well as dizziness and confusion. In addition to feelings of anxiousness, causes of hyperventilation may be based on fear of something that causes panic attacks and rapid breathing, such as heights, crowds, or certain animals.

Physical activity or environmental factors may also sometimes cause hyperventilation. Changes in altitude reportedly cause rapid breathing. High-intensity exercising can cause heart palpitations and shortness of breath, or hyperventilation, especially if the person overdoes it.

Different causes if this medical issue may indicate symptoms of another illness versus everyday stress. An example of overbreathing due to illness includes asthma, which inflames and tightens the bronchial tubes. A blood clot that develops into deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may travel to the lungs and cause breathing problems, even death, if left untreated. An illness that causes this symptom is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which restricts air in the lungs. Medical experts also note that other problems like heart disease, stroke, or pneumonia, as well as kidney and liver disease, chronic fatigue, and heart arrhythmias, are all factors that could cause hyperventilation.

Drugs and other medications can cause hyperventilation as a side effect. Signs of aspirin side effects or overdose, for instance, may include hyperventilation or a rapid heartbeat. Prescription medications, such as those taken for asthma, may also be adjusted by a doctor because they sometimes cause rapid breathing and heart palpitations. Causes of hyperventilation have also been linked to overdose from methamphetamines, amphetamines, and cocaine.

Treatment for these causes vary, ranging from self-care to medical options. Practicing breathing exercises and relaxation techniques works if stress or anxiety leads to rapid breathing, while light-to-moderate exercise reportedly reduces stress and, in turn, decreases the risk of hyperventilation. Beta blockers can help to keep breathing under control if home care does not resolve the problem. If there are more serious underlying issues, treatment from a medical care professional is always advised.