HealthInfo Canterbury
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation is fast, deep breathing and is usually caused by extreme anxiety. It can happen during a panic attack. While it is frightening, it is not usually dangerous.
How do I know if someone is hyperventilating?
If someone is hyperventilating they will be:
- breathing deeply and much more quickly than normal
- feeling dizzy or faint
- trembling and sweating.
How can I help someone who is hyperventilating?
- Be calm and reassuring – let them know it is not dangerous.
- If possible, take them away from the situation that is distressing them to somewhere quiet. If it's not possible, ask anyone nearby to leave, or to turn away.
- If they are feeling dizzy or faint, breathing into a paper bag, or into hands cupped over their mouth and nose can help them to recover more quickly.
Once they have stopped hyperventilating, encourage them to see their doctor to discuss the panic attack and what they can do to prevent or control any future attacks.
St John also has video advice on how to help someone who is hyperventilating.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. December 2016.
SourceReview key: HIFAD-141030
