It’s dangerous?
Although hyperventilation is often very dangerous for those affected, it is usually harmless. However, it is important for specialists to take symptoms seriously and rule out possible physical causes. Normally, the breathing center in the brain controls the speed and depth of breathing. The cells register a high level of CO2-Content in the blood, breathing accelerates and deepens automatically. In these cases, fast, deep breaths make sense because the body gets rid of the excess gas. However, this regulatory system can be compromised by diseases such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury, so that those affected breathe faster and more deeply permanently. The same happens with lung diseases where there is not enough oxygen in the blood, or if the body becomes excessively acidic in the case of kidney failure or untreated diabetes mellitus.
Especially in young women with breathing difficulties, doctors must rule out a life-threatening lung disease, pulmonary embolism – a blood clot forms in a vein in the leg. From there it travels into the pulmonary vessels and obstructs one. Similar to hyperventilation, those affected complain of shortness of breath and breathe rapidly. Also, their heart beats faster or they suddenly faint. Above all, smokers and women who use the contraceptive pill have a higher risk. If a pulmonary embolism is not detected, the risk of death is low up to 30 percent.
Help for sure
First aid saves lives. Therefore, if someone is in a medical emergency, we all have a duty to help. However, many people hesitate in an emergency, often out of fear of making a mistake. But this uncertainty must not remain. In our “Help safely” series, we explain what to do in an emergency: How do you recognize a stroke? What information does the emergency call need? And when do you have to resuscitate?
How can I help?
First of all, helpers should leave the triggering situation with those affected and, if possible, go to a quiet place. The best way to calm down hyperventilation is to talk to them and distract them. Paper or plastic bags can also help: to do this, those affected breathe in and out for a while in a bag that closes their mouth and nose. With each breath, more carbon dioxide accumulates in the pouch, which the affected person in turn inhales. In this way, the acidity in the body normalizes and the symptoms slowly disappear.
