I have
written in past articles about shortness of breath. Hyperventilation
is somewhat different to shortness of breath. Let me explain.
Shortness of breath is shallow short quick breaths. Hyperventilation
is quick “deep” breaths. The biggest cause of hyperventilation
is anxiety. Of course there can be other underlying causes;
an emotional outburst can cause hyperventilation.
I experienced hyperventilation a few times in my anxiety and
panic days and I can assure the experience is quite frightening.
It was usually triggered by a thought, often in fear that
I was unable to breathe.
In the old days hyperventilation was treated with the old
“paper bag” trick. In some places this method is still practiced.
I have read many contradicting arguments on the “paper bag”
method and personally I just prefer not to use nor recommend
this method to anyone.
I do have a much simpler method of calming hyperventilation
down and it doesn’t require carrying anything around.
Now first off, if you are the person witnessing someone hyperventilate,
try to reassure and comfort the patient. If you can remove
the “fear” or anxious” provoking thing, do so. I have a mate
that is absolutely petrified of cockroaches, every time she
would see one she would begin screaming and hyperventilate.
Simple fix, I’d remove the cockroach from her sight.
Certainly don’t make fun of the person who is hyperventilating,
no matter how little or petty it may seem to you, this is
clearly not a “little” matter to the person suffering. Hyperventilating
in “rare” cases can lead to passing out. So please consider
the welfare of the patient.
Now get the patient to cover his/her mouth and nose with their
hand, this way they can feel their breath against their hand
so they know they’re definitely breathing. Get them to take
much slower deep breaths until they calm down and resume normal
breathing.
Note: Never self diagnose. Make sure you visit your
local GP first. All material provided is for informational
or educational purposes only. No content is intended to be
a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or
treatment. Consult your doctor regarding the applicability
of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms
or medical condition.
© Joanne King - http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com
(Thank you Joanne)
About
the Author - Joanne King is a former sufferer of Anxiety &
Panic Attacks. She is the author of "How to Overcome Anxiety
& Panic Attacks". She has helped other sufferers Worldwide
to eliminate their Anxiety & Panic attacks. http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com
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