PANIC ATTACK ON OR hyperventilation

Disease information

PANIC ATTACK ON OR hyperventilation

Panic attack or hyperventilation.

It is a very rapid breathing in response to stress or anxiety.

This causes the lungs to eliminate carbon dioxide from the blood very quickly leading to the blood to a state of acidity.

It is a temporary state and has an easy treatment after the correct diagnosis.

Causes.

Anxiety is the leading cause of hyperventilation.

On rare occasions hyperventilation is caused or is accompanied by fever, heart or lung diseases or serious damage.

Signs and symptoms.

Rapid breathing.

Numbness, tingling and tremors around the mouth, in the hands and feet.

Weakness or fainting.

Muscle spasms or contractions in the mouth, hands and feet.

Fainting (occasionally)

Chest pains.

Dizziness or mental confusion.

Risk Factors.

Underlying emotional conflicts (fear or phobias)

Stress.

Feelings of guilt.

Fatigue or hyperactivity.

Disease.

Smoking.

Excessive consumption of alcohol.

The stimulant drugs (amphetamines and ecstasy) is produced with ease.

Prevention.

Avoid situations that will produce anxiety.

Reduce the stress in their daily lives (learn relaxation techniques, meditation, etc.

Diagnosis and Treatment.

Diagnosis.

Diagnosis is made by the clinic, after ruling out any condition that may resemble, such as:

heart attack (by an ECG)

Respiratory disorders (through an analysis of arterial blood gases)

metabolic disorders (through a general analytical)

Treatment.

During the attack, follow these instructions to increase dioxide in the blood and relieve symptoms:

Cover your mouth and nose completely with a paper bag (also served from plastic, but is less safe)

Breathe slowly inside the bag and re - breathe the same air (the air bag contains additional carbon dioxide)

Try to keep the air in the lungs, against the "need" to expel him immediately.

Breathe slowly in and out of the bag for at least 1 to 3 minutes.

Leave the bag and breathe normally for a few minutes (and inspire expire every six seconds)

If necessary, repeat the process until symptoms diminish or disappear.

In case of recurrence of symptoms, repeat the process as often as necessary (to carry a paper bag with you all the time as a preventive measure)

Do not smoke or drink coffee, tea or drinks with caffeine: Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can exacerbate or precipitate an attack.

Medication.

Shall be prescribed by your doctor, and geared to treating the underlying anxiety disorder.

Activity.

Avoid situations which will cause the attacks until you notify your therapist.

Diet.

Reduce consumption of caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) is a stimulant and could be the detonator of hyperventilation.

Complications.

Hyperventilation almost never associated with serious physical illnesses, but can be a symptom of a panic disorder (recurrent panic attacks) agoraphobia (fear of open spaces or certain situations) or other phobias, which require specialized treatment.

Forecast.

The symptoms can be frightening but usually lasts a few minutes (although in some cases can last for hours) and not cause any physical harm.

Psychotherapy or counseling may be advisable if the hyperventilation is present and is often caused by anxiety.

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