Hyperventilation - Treatment

Treatment

Treating the underlying cause of the hyperventilation is normally the first step to counter the condition.

Other treatment methods are descibed below-

• The patient should be encouraged to be calm and exercise control over his breathing. If this fails then the patient must be taken to a hospital to check out the causes of hyperventilation.
• Oxygen may be administered to reduce tissue hypoxia. This must be continued until hypoxia is clinically ruled out.
• In case the patient is unconcious care should be taken in order not to block the airway
• There may be a requirement to admnister parenteral drugs to reduce anxiety and to slow excessive breathing

• Hyperventilation syndrome patients may require behavior therapy or other psychiatric treatments
• Breathing and relaxation techniques are known to benefit hyperventilation patients

Breathing into a paper bag is no longer recommended. Hyperventilation is self limiting and the patient will settle down with time. If the symptoms revive it is better to consult a doctor.