Hyperventilation - Hyperventilation Syndrome, cause, symptoms and treatment

Hyperventilation is a breathing difficulty that may be triggered by the stress of an accident or some other form of emotional shock. The person over-breathes, causing the level of carbon dioxide in the blood to drop.

Signs and symptoms of hyperventilation

Hyperventilation Treatment

lf the casualty is otherwise uninjured, remove her from the scene of the accident to a quiet place where there is no audience. People who are hyperventilating often subconsciously react to onlookers, making themselves worse.

Reassure the casualty but remain calm and speak firmly. Encourage the casualty to regain control of her breathing.

If the situation persists and you are certain that there is no other underlying condition such as asthma or chest injury, let the casualty inhale her own breathed-out air from a paper bag. This air contains more carbon dioxide and this will help restore the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Call a doctor if the symptoms do not disappear. Do not slap the casualty - she may become violent and attack you, and you run the risk of being charged with assault.