Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation or overbreathing is the state of breathing faster or deeper than normal,(hyperpnoea) causing excessive expulsion of circulating carbon dioxide, this means that the arterial concentration of CO₂ tension is falling (Paco2) below normal (30mmHg). It can result from a psychological state such as a panic attack, from a physiological condition such as metabolic acidosis, can be brought about by lifestyle risk factors or voluntarily as in the yogic practice of Bhastrika. It often occurs together with labored breathing, which, in contrast, can also be a response to increased carbon dioxide levels. COPD, Asthma and multiple panic disorders have also been identified.