How To Help Someone Who Is Hyperventilating

Hyperventilation occurs when a person's breathing rate greatly increases, leading to an imbalance between the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the blood. Hyperventilation is commonly caused through severe anxiety, fear, stress and panic. However there can sometimes be an underlying medical condition, which can cause frequent attacks. They are always very distressing for the victim, and a little first aid knowledge can go a long way.

Hyperventilation as a process causes a decrease in the amount of gas (carbon dioxide) within the blood. The consequent imbalance can disrupt the flow of oxygen in the blood, which can subsequently lead to tingling sensation in the hands & feet, and in some cases chest tightness. It is by no means a disease, but it is essential to get checked out by a doctor if frequent attacks begin occurring. Sometimes this can be attributed to a condition called hyperventilation syndrome, which is perfectly treatable through a combination of medication and / or breathing exercises.

It is helpful to be able to spot the symptoms of hyperventilation if you are trying to help someone when an attack occurs. Initially you may found someone in a very distressed and panicky state. The main symptom to look out for is increased breathing effort. Those who are suffering an attack will nearly always be breathing inward at a far more rapid rate than would be considered the norm. Muscle cramps can also occur in the extremities. They may also be complaining of feeling light headed or may have fainted, owing to the disruption in the oxygen supply to the body.

The first step when treating a casualty is to get them to sit down. They are putting a greater strain on the respiratory system when walking or standing. Sitting someone down is not the cure, but it will assist in their recovery. The next step is then to encourage the casualty to take long & slow deep breaths. An emphasis should be placed on a controlled inward breath, but don't forget to also exhale at the same speed. The ultimate aim is to reduce the amount of breaths that are occurring every minute. It is possible to count the breaths for them, which will help encourage a slower breathing pattern.

If these steps have not worked then a paper bag can be used as a last resort. The idea would be to encourage the casualty to inhale and exhale from a paper bag. This encourages them to rebreathe their own expired air, which should increase the levels of carbon dioxide within the blood. This method should always be the last resort, as it can cause a negative reaction in some casualty's.

All of the above should have a very positive effect when treating someone who is suffering from hyperventilation. However an ambulance should always be called if the symptoms so no sign of abating. It is possible but rare that a casualty could slip unconscious or even suffer a cardiac arrest through their initial hyperventilation.