Hyperventilation: Therapy

In somatic hyperventilation, the underlying disorder must be identified and treated.

In psychogenic hyperventilation, the following measures are recommended:

General measures

  • Calming the patient, including anxiolysis if necessary, i.e., reducing anxiety with medication.
  • Education
  • If necessary, rebreathing into a bag to enrich the breath with carbon dioxide.
  • Avoidance of psychosocial situations:
    • Aggression
    • Fear
    • Excitement
    • Panic
    • Stress

Psychotherapy

Training

  • Breathing training