Tight chest, can't take a deep breath, breathing fast in the classroom while speaking...I have hyperventilation syndrome. I 've had it for at least seven months - I just put all my symptoms together, did some research, read the posts here.

The one symptom that threw me was the sweating that would come after one of these "can't take a deep breath" episodes. I thought this was just another hot flash. Nope - sweating, chills, etc., all part of the hyperventilation syndrome. Menopausal anxiety brings it on and then the vicious cycle begins.

It's happened to me in my classroom, when talking on the phone, going to the doctor,etc. I just never knew it was a whole syndrome.

I tested my theory. When this happens now I just cup my hands over my mouth and nose and breathe in the carbon dioxide I exhale. It works! I can breathe!

I just hope that after seven months of this I can correct it permanently. I'm going to try yoga.

Anyone had success in curing this without meds? I can't take anything.

Thanks!

HB: I have a problem with hyperventilation too....I have hyperventilated so much that I get muscle tetany; which, if you've never experienced it, is one of the most terrifying experiences you can imagine. The muscles around my mouth seize up and I can't talk (I sound like I'm having a stroke), my leg and arm muscles lock up--it's awful. The only thing that has ever worked is breathing into the paper bag. It puts carbon dioxide back into my bloodstream and corrects my blood pH. I used to tell my husband about this and he didn't really grasp how bad it can get until he witnessed it---he was literally freaked out--and convinced that I was having a massive stroke. Afterwards I had to keep reassuring him that no, this was hyperventilation and it can do weird and nasty things to your body...

I'm glad you finally found some answers...you're not alone!

Wow, I wonder if I don't have this too!! Sounds like me in many ways! Interesting.

Yes, I was diagnosed with this about 4 years ago after about 5 trips to the ER because I couldn't breathe. I was told I had hyperventilation syndrome (never heard of it) and was told to get the book called hyperventilation syndrome by Dinah Bradley; she is a respiratory therapist. This book saved me. Also, you wouldn't believe the symptoms you get when you don't breathe right!!!! Good book to get and it also has exercises in there to help you correct your breathing. Good luck

I'm always telling myself to BREATHE !! I catch myself holding my breath a lot. Does holding one's breath cause hyperventilation?
I have a Sunrise Tai
Chi Dvd that makes you so aware of the importance of breathing correctly. I can't believe the expansion of chest this guy has that does the instruction. Obvioiusly we don't come near to utlizing our breath.

Best wishes!!

Sharon

Hi There mom6kids

I have read this book after my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety and hyperventilation syndrome early last year. This author 'Dinah Bradley' is a New Zealander which is where I hail from so I contacted them personally by e-mail and they referred me to the book which I found at my local library as they didn't have any copies for purchase as they were waiting for reprinting.

The book gave a good understanding in lamens terms of how bad breathing patterns affect the delicate balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our systems. But by far I have found a 'Breathing Works' relaxation CD, that I came by from an aquaintance, which is made by Dinah Bradley, is by far the best way to learn proper breathing techniques which usually puts me straight to sleep while practising it at night in bed . Even though I'm not always able to stay awake long enough to listen to the whole thing through at night, I'm sure somewhere in my subconscious is all the information that is on that CD .

And yes 'pieddove' holding ones breath is a sure way to impart incorrect breathing patterns as this was and still is one of my worst habits when put in a stressful situation. It takes many months of practice before you will automatically start breathing correctly from the diaphragm when you take notice of how you are breathing at any time of the day but it's not guaranteed that you will breath this way all the time without thinking about it. It is an ongoing conscious effort to breath correctly which is hard to do when we are constantly trying to hold in our sagging fat bellys lol.

Yoga and Tai Chi are very good ways to learn to diapragmatic breath as they teach the correct way to breath during the relaxation segment. I used to do yoga and found that after a session at night I would sleep like a baby all night but nowadays I find I have too many aches and pains around my body so am loathe to take it up again but I think I may this year as it is so beneficial to mind, body and soul allbeit uncomfortable at times .

Rox

Thank you for your responses!

I will definitely look for the Dinah Bradley book and CD.

My main problems are sighing and yawning - they've become habits. I tried hard to work on those today and I've felt a lot better. I made a conscious effort to stop "testing my deep breaths."

Thanks again!!

Helen

Wow! I've had this too!!! I thought it was an anxiety thing. But then, I was thinking one day, it reminded me of the feeling one time I wore a southern bell costume, with one of those tight bodice things, and had the same feeling! (sweating included) I almost passed out. That got me to thinking!!! I gained SO MUCH weight this past year... I realized one day my bra was squeezing the stuffing out of me (more than normal)!! I got a bigger sized bra and voila - no more difficulty breathing. Just a thought....

This is something I found on another website, which is great about hyperventilation and anxiety. I removed the names of books recommended so as not to advertise!

How to Relax
The reality is, some of us live in a world where we need to learn how to relax! Relaxation is a natural, bodily process which keeps us functioning in an optimal way: emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The page, Tips for Coping With Stress, describes anxiety, how it originates, and ways to cope with it. This page gives you some ideas for how to reduce tension in your daily life. It also describes hyperventilation syndrome, which results in the uncomfortable symptoms of a panic attack.

As with any physical symptom, please check with your doctor to rule out any medical cause for your anxiety. Although there are few physical disorders that result in panic-like symptoms, there are some, and you need to rule those out before finding help here!

Hyperventilation Syndrome: I Feel Like I'm Going to Die! (Panic)

Of course, we'll all die at some time or another. For people in the throes of hyperventilation, death feels as though it will arrive at any moment. People suffering from hyperventilation syndrome (I'll abbreviate it as HVS) feel a variety of things. First: mild disorientation, dizziness, feelings of unreality, and/or lightheadedness. Next: heart pounding, racing heart, sweating palms, breaking out in a sweat all over, 'hot flashes,' nausea, feelings of dread, fear of death or fainting or going crazy, claustrophobia (for example, 'if only I can get out of here and get home I'll be okay'), feelings of suffocation/not being able to get enough air. Last: tunnel vision, actually fainting.

In normal breathing, one breathes in about the same amount of oxygen as one exhales carbon dioxide. (Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of metabolizing oxygen). Hyperventilation means that you are breathing in more oxygen than you need. You are actually taking in more oxygen than you are exhaling carbon dioxide. Therefore, carbon dioxide builds up in your blood. This happens when you take quick, shallow breaths without the accompanying physical exertion that would require more oxygen. And you have no idea you are doing it!

Our ancient ancestors needed the ability to quickly escape from predators and other threats, and to quickly respond to a fleeing animal when hunting. The 'fight-or-flight' response enabled early humans to perform these tasks. In modern day life, we rarely need such a dramatic physical response. Chasing the dog at the beach doesn't require quite the same level of physiological readiness as did running from a charging animal! Nevertheless, our bodies haven't evolved out of the fight-or-flight response. Anxiety triggers the hyperventilation/fight-or-flight response in our bodies, and unless we restore the oxygen/carbon dioxide balance quickly, the symptoms will increase until we pass out and automatically begin breathing normally again!

Tips for Coping With Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Once you've had a physical and your doctor has determined your anxiety is not due to a medical disorder, he or she might prescribe anti-anxiety drugs. These drugs are designed to block the fight-or-flight response, as well as more generalized anxiety.

Other techniques you might try follow: You might let those close to you know you are suffering from anxiety, and that you may need help staying with these strategies when the moment arises:

For panic...

Breathing into a paper bag. Although you might be embarrassed to try this, once you begin to notice panic rising, pull out a paper bag and breathe into it, slowly, in and out, for a minute or two (you are filling the bag with carbon dioxide and thereby reducing the amount of oxygen you're breathing).

Slowing your breath. Count your breath. Breathe in to a count of four, hold your breath for four, breath out to a count of four. If this is difficult for you, understand that you have been hyperventilating! Work up to a count of six, six, and six. Do this for two or three minutes. Remember, actually you have too much oxygen, so regulating your breathing can only help you.

Read a book. Some excellent books for help coping with anxiety attacks are Claire Weekes' books.

For general anxiety...

Relax your body. It is not possible to feel anxious when your body is fully relaxed! Therefore, progressively tensing and relaxing each part of your body, while breathing in and out slowly as described above, will help you reduce anxiety.

Nourish your spirit. People with a spiritual practice tend to report experiencing less stress in their daily lives. Explore religious or spiritual practices and communities that interest you, either by attending services or reading books.

Visualize. Calm your mind by imagining yourself in a place you love and that soothes you. Imagine every detail of the place, including how relaxed you are when you are there.

Books on relaxation abound. Many of them have soothing pictures in them, too!