Hyperventilation syndrome is the medical term for losing control of your breathing. You may find yourself breathing too fast or too deeply. This can be set off by pain, anxiety, or emotional stress. If hyperventilation continues for more than a few minutes, it can lead to several frightening symptoms, such as:
-
Numbness and tingling of the hands, feet, and face.
-
Clenching of the fingers or toes.
-
Dizziness.
-
Feeling like you can't get enough air.
-
Chest pains.
-
Fainting or feeling like you are going to faint.
Once these symptoms begin, it's often hard to stop them because they lead to a cycle of more anxiety and more hyperventilation. It's important to understand that this is not a life-threatening condition. It will pass once you can relax. Relaxation and stress-management methods can be learned and practiced when you are not hyperventilating. These methods can help in the event of a future attack.
Home care
Rest today until you feel back to normal. If symptoms return, take the following steps to care for yourself:
-
Sit or lie down. Remember that what is happening to you is temporary and will pass.
-
Use the relaxation methods you have learned.
Note: It's no longer advised to breathe into a paper bag.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised.
When to call your doctor
Contact your health care provider right away if any of these occur:
-
Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider.
-
Leg redness, pain, or swelling.
-
Ringing in your ears.
-
Severe headache.
Call 911
Call
-
Weakness, fainting, or dizziness.
-
Increasing shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
-
Coughing up blood.
-
Chest pain that is made worse with each breath, or any abnormal chest pain.
-
Feeling of doom.
Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RN
Online Medical Reviewer: David A Kaufman MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
