Hyperventilation is usually caused by extreme excitement. The typical symptoms are rapid, shallow breathing, dizziness, a pale face, nervousness and cramped hands.

 

Hyperventilation causes too much oxygen to enter the lungs.
Bag breathing and abdominal breathing can provide quick help for acute hyperventilation. Bag breathing involves holding a plastic or paper bag over your mouth and nose for a few seconds and breathing into it. However, never pull the bag over the entire head, as there is a risk of suffocation.
After bag breathing, the person affected should sit down and breathe into their belly. For abdominal breathing, place your hands flat on your stomach and breathe in deeply and slowly. Make sure that the palms on the abdomen are pushed away by the bulge in the abdomen. Exhale slowly from a half-open mouth until the abdomen is relaxed again.

A hyperventilating child first needs to be calmed down. If you hold it in your arms, you give it a feeling of security and protection.

If hyperventilation occurs frequently, you should see a doctor, as it may be due to circulatory weakness, a metabolic disorder or low blood pressure. Even if the hyperventilation has an emotional cause, for example anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, the doctor must help.

If breathing has not normalised within 20 minutes in an acute case of hyperventilation, there is a risk of circulatory collapse and an ambulance should be called immediately.

Herbal teas made from St John's wort, lemon balm, hops and valerian help to calm the nerves.

Certain breathing therapies and relaxation techniques improve the feeling of inner peace. You should also ensure that you have a regular daily routine, go to bed on time and do endurance sports.

Stress, lack of sleep, tension and an unbalanced lifestyle should be avoided.