Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 9-39: Hyperventilation Syndromes + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Hyperventilation is an increase in alveolar minute ventilation leading to hypocapnia Causes include Pregnancy Hypoxemia Obstructive and infiltrative lung disease Sepsis Hepatic dysfunction Fever Pain "Central neurogenic hyperventilation" describes monotonous, sustained deep breathing seen in comatose patients with brainstem injury + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Acute hyperventilation Hyperpnea Paresthesias Carpopedal spasm Tetany Anxiety Chronic hyperventilation presents nonspecifically Fatigue Dyspnea Anxiety Palpitations Dizziness + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Symptoms must be reproduced during voluntary hyperventilation + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ When organic causes have been excluded, breathing through pursed lips or through the nose with one nostril pinched, or rebreathing expired gas from a paper bag decreases respiratory alkalemia and its symptoms Anxiolytics may be helpful