Hyperventilation and anxiety are typically found to occur together. Anxiety is a condition that causes panic attacks as a response to extreme stress. One of the most common symptoms of anxiety is hyperventilation. The attack causes breathing to become increasingly rapid, resulting in over-breathing. Breaths are short, which also increases the heart rate and reduces the amount of oxygen that is breathed in.
Anxiety attacks can cause a variety of problems. Breathing problems, such as hyperventilation, are common symptoms of these attacks. While anxiety attacks can be a direct cause of over-breathing, hyperventilation and anxiety are related in another way. The occurrence of hyperventilation during a panic attack can also add to the amount of anxiety experienced and can also increase the number of attacks that occur.
One of the common theories that relates hyperventilation and anxiety is the fight or flight response that most people have. This is an automatic response to extreme stress or fear. When triggered, the sufferer typically flees from the source or fights against it. Generally, people with anxiety disorder experience a heightened response. The smallest amount of stress or fear triggers an anxiety attack, which often leads to hyperventilation.
When hyperventilation and anxiety are related, signs of hyperventilation often coincide with signs of an anxiety attack. In addition to dizziness, tingling, and numbness of the mouth or arms, a sufferer may also experience trembling and an overwhelming sense of fear. Rapid heart rate is another symptom that can be experienced with both problems. In many panic attacks, patients often have shortness of breath and feel a tightening in the chest before hyperventilation begins.
Hyperventilation and anxiety have different methods of treatment. In order to reduce instances of hyperventilation, the anxiety disorder must be managed. Medications can help reduce the amount of panic attacks that occur. Sufferers can also learn techniques, such as meditation, that help reduce responses to fear and promote calmness. As the anxiety disorder begins to get under control, the sufferer can see the instances of hyperventilation start to lessen.
Although treatment can help manage hyperventilation and anxiety, attacks can still occur. In these instances, managing the hyperventilation can help shorten the severity and length of occurrences. Breathing techniques can be an effective way to get breathing back to normal. Slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth are an effective technique. Some people also find relief from breathing into a paper bag.