Hyperventilation normally is diagnosed when an individual is breathing rapidly, with a rate of 30+, (this is the whole breath - from breathing in and breathing out sighing, this is classes as one complete breath cycle, yawns, chest breathing and difficulty is breathing. Hyperventilation can be both acute or chronic, acute is when it happens in moments of severe stress. Chronic is when the body has actually adapted to this way of breathing.

THERE ARE TWO MAIN WAYS OF CHECKING FOR CHRONIC HYPERVENTILATION

1.The individual has to over breathe for 2 minutes, this will reduce symptoms and also show them that there is a way of gaining control of their breathing. This MUST be done UNDER SUPERVISION, and not if there are heart problems, as this method can cause strong emotions to surface, the more controlled and supportive the environment the better.


2.The other method is for the individual to hold their breath. If it becomes difficult for them to reach 10 seconds this is a sign of hyperventilating.

How can this be treated? - There are 3 methods.

Holding ones breath for a few seconds,

Altering the rate and depth of breathing, to make them shallow and slower, and finally

Changing the air that is used. For example the paper bag being used is a good way of equalling the blood gasses as each breath alter the quantity of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

To expand, holding your breath can stop the symptoms/condition for a few moments. Even with practice, this method should only be used in severe cases to help for a few moments, otherwise complications can occur such as tension and a change in the breathing rate. This should only be used with medical input and not to be used as a 'cure', as it is not. It just eases the condition and triggers the understanding that one can to a degree control their breathing rate.

Altering the breathing rate is a good technique, it is not simple as it does require some practice, but the more one practices the easier it becomes and change will occur. One can make their breathing rate slower (as well as faster) and shallow (as well as deeply). Many people who have studied hyperventilation advocate this approach. How to do it? Firstly, an individual needs to be aware of their breathing, how they breathe. When we focus on it, the rate will often change this is normal. The individual then needs to learn what a correct breath is, what it feels like. Some use the term diaphragm breathing or abdominal breathing, they mean the same. One hand is placed on the upper chest and then focus begins by watching, feeling etc the movement of the hand. The aim is for slow, gentle, shallow, smooth and abdominal. During this the more control the individual has the better, they still need to be supervised and guided. It has been thought that a target of 10 breaths per minute is good. Sometimes in the early stages of this process one can begin to feel panicky as if you are not getting all your body requires. This is not the case; your body will soon begin to feel 'normal'. After all, all, one has done is taken control over our breathing rate. This gives us a great sense of achievement, because with this knowledge one can use it in any stressful events, thereby possibly reducing hyperventilating and panicking.

Changing the air, this is probably one of the most common treatment for people hyperventilating; breathing in and out of a paper bag. A little science, air is comprised of many gasses, for the air entering our lungs oxygen is around 21% and carbon dioxide 0.04%, but when we breathe out this alters, as we breath around 4% of carbon dioxide out. Therefore, when someone uses a paper bag they are stabilising the blood gasses in their body. This should be completed in as calm a manner as possible. This technique is very good for acute attacks, but if the problem is chronic in nature, this will only bring short term relief. The best method for chronic hyperventilating problems is to re learn the correct way of breathing. Furthermore, relaxation techniques are also very good at reducing anxiety and the possible cause for an acute episode. It has also be noted that by focusing on breathing control it can reduce the possibility of a panic attack.

The negative side of breathing exercises.

• They must not be used as a substitute for medical attention
• One should not feel as though they breathing is becoming strained or difficult
• Dizziness can occur and is a sign of hyperventilation
• Breathing instruction should only be followed if presented to you alone and are therefore specific for you. Not all techniques work and it becomes more difficult if your first attempt at change is not good.
• Sometimes slow deep breathes do not suit everyone, but this does not mean you cannot change the rate of respirations.

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