Hyperventilation syndrome is a rather rare pathological phenomenon, which is accompanied by a number of changes on the part of the psyche and somatic systems. The root cause is a change in lung ventilation and a malfunction of the respiratory centers, which become too sensitive to the gas content in the blood.
Hyperventilation syndrome and its causes
There are a number of factors that can affect the development of this syndrome. It can occur as a result of external and internal intoxications, as well as somatic lesions of some parts of the nervous system. In addition, various kinds of violations in the endocrine system, as well as interruptions in metabolism, can lead to the appearance of this disease. However, in the vast majority of cases, the causes of the disease are psychogenic in nature and are somehow related to disturbances in the work of the psyche.
Hyperventilation syndrome: symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of this disease are quite diverse, and can occur both during seizures and be present constantly. However, crises of the disease have some similar characteristics.
An attack begins from the appearance of an inexplicable panic fear. Breathing goes astray, the rhythm of respiratory movements is disturbed. It becomes difficult for a sick person to breathe, he does not have enough air, in some cases even asthma attacks appear . In addition, there are malfunctions in the cardiovascular system - this is mainly tachycardia and a change in blood pressure.
Hyperventilation syndrome affects the work of almost all systems of human organs, manifesting itself with characteristic signs. Such people are constantly suffering from a lack of oxygen - they open windows, spend a lot of time in the fresh air, and avoid enclosed spaces and vehicles. From the gastrointestinal system, you can also notice some disorders - this is mainly nausea, bloating, increased gas formation, frequent burping.
With a similar disease, problems of a neurological nature are also observed. For example, such patients often lose consciousness. They complain of darkening in the eyes, temporary narrowing of the field of vision, dizziness, tinnitus, heaviness in the head, instability of the gait. The psyche of such a person also works abnormally, as he constantly feels anxiety, intense fear, panic attacks of anxiety, which have no apparent reason.
Symptoms from the motor apparatus and skin can also be observed. People with this diagnosis often complain of a strong internal tremor in the limbs, a tingling sensation in the skin, and allergic reactions.
Hyperventilation syndrome and methods for its diagnosis
First of all, the doctor should familiarize himself with the patient's complaints, as well as with the presence of a genetic tendency to mental disorders.
In addition, with a similar disease, a change in the pH of the blood is observed, therefore, the patient must necessarily conduct blood tests. If a disease is suspected, the patient is usually prescribed a hyperventilation test. If a person breathes deeply for five minutes, then all the symptoms of the attack develop almost immediately. If, during an attack, the patient is injected with a small amount of carbon dioxide or forced to breathe in a packet, then the attack passes.
Hyperventilation syndrome: treatment
The process of treating a disease is always complex and depends on the cause of its development. For example, if mental disorders led to the development of such a syndrome, then appropriate psychotherapeutic treatment is also necessary. In addition, the patient is prescribed a number of drugs that reduce nervous and muscle excitability. One of the most promising methods of treatment is special respiratory gymnastics, which allows a person to control respiratory movements, thus inhibiting the activity of the respiratory centers.