Hyperventilation refers to a disproportionately increased ventilation measured in relation to the CO2 production of the body. Hyperventilation is accompanied by a decrease in the carbon dioxide partial pressure (CO2) and an increase in the pH (respiratory alkalosis) in the blood.
Hyperventilation can occur as an acute hyperventilation syndrome due to a disturbance of respiratory regulation for psychological or physical reasons (primary hyperventilation). It can also occur reactively to an oxygen deficiency (in cardiovascular diseases, secondary hyperventilation) or during controlled ventilation.
Acute hyperventilation syndrome (F45.33) is characterized by seizure-like, accelerated and deepened breathing with respiratory alkalosis and symptoms of normocalcemic tetany (paresthesia, paw position).
Chronic hyperventilation syndrome (F45.3) is counted among the group of somatization disorders. Somatogenic causes of hyperventilation are excluded. The syndrome is characterized by: neuromuscular symptoms (par- or hypaesthesia), cerebral symptoms such as tiredness, drowsiness, concentration disorders, forgetfulness, psychological symptoms such as nervousness, excitement, irritability, sensitivity to the weather, etc. as well as phobic or panic states.