Hyperventilation is caused by ventilation in excess of requirements based on CO2 production, leading to a reduced PaCO2. Although anxiety can contribute to the initiation and progression of hyperventilation, hyperventilation is not always related to anxiety. Hyperventilation can precede systemic illnesses such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Symptoms of chronic hyperventilation can include dyspnea, paresthesias, headache, tetany, visual disturbances, and atypical chest pain. Laboratory findings of chronic hyperventilation include a reduced PaCO2, but low serum bicarbonate level and near normal pH on arterial blood gas analysis.
| TREATMENT | ||
HyperventilationTreatment of chronic hyperventilation is problematic. Identification of initiating factors and excluding alternative diagnoses can be helpful. |