When a person suffers from hyperventilation, it means that they have begun to breathe extremely rapidly. This will interfere with the body’s ability to get rid of carbon dioxide, which is usually expelled when a person exhales. When the carbon dioxide levels start to increase, the symptoms associated with hyperventilating start to appear. This situation can take place due to excessive anxiety or stress, or it may occur along with some type of lung disorder, such as asthma. In severe cases of asthma hyperventilation a medical emergency may occur.
Wheezing and Rapid Breathing
The actual concern associated with having an asthma attack can create both panic and anxiety attacks. Also, feelings of anxiousness can increase the symptoms associated with asthma. In some cases, for some patients, this will result in hyperventilation. There are some people who can breathe very deeply into a paper bag to resolve hyperventilation related to asthma. However to ensure over-medication does not occur, it is essential that patients understand how stress effects this issue and also recognize the difference in cases of hyperventilation because of stress and an asthma attack.
Tingling and Numbness
Since asthma can make it quite difficult to take deeper breaths, asthmatics may not be able to recognize that they have quickened breathing. However, there are a number of other symptoms that include tingling or numbness sensations inside the mouth. In many cases, the sensation may radiate into a person’s arms. Hyperventilation may cause a person’s mouth to feel dry. If they take the necessary steps to increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, it can help to reduce the symptoms. Inhaling through the nostrils rather than the mouth can minimize the amount of oxygen that gets into the body and help to balance out the blood gases.
Tightness in the Chest
In some cases, hyperventilation will trigger or come right before an asthma attack. When the person’s breathing quickens, then tightness, discomfort and chest pain can occur. Taking the time to know the cause of the symptoms will help ensure that the right treatment option is found.
When you take the time to learn about hyperventilation and how it relates to asthma, you can be better prepared if an issue occurs. Take some time to realize all the associated symptoms to make a plan if an attack occurs. This will help ensure the person does not panic if asthma hyperventilation takes place.
