34.12 Hyperventilation

34.12.2 Explain the causes of hyperventilation.

Usually brought on by anxiety (possibly because the patient believes that sufficient oxygen is unavailable), however any form of stress may induce the condition.

• Hypoxia
• Anxiety
• Fear 
• Panic 
• Straining against G-forces

34.12.4 Describe the symptoms of hyperventilation.

The Symptoms of Hyperventilation include: 

• Light-headedness, 
• Dizziness
• Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet and lips 
• Headache
• Fainting

34.12.6 Describe how hyperventilation can be treated.

The treatment for hyperventilation is to encourage the patient to control their breathing.  One way is to get them to breath into a paper bag.