Hyperventilation that interferes with daily activities

Hyperventilation is often caused by stress or anxiety. Home treatment and prevention measures may help manage hyperventilation triggered by these causes. If anxiety, stress, or hyperventilation episodes interfere with your daily activities, a health professional can:

• Teach you how to manage your stress or anxiety.
• Teach you a different method of breathing. People who hyperventilate tend to breathe shallowly, filling only the upper chest when they inhale. Learning to belly-breathe (diaphragmatic breathing) may help prevent the recurrence of hyperventilation.
• Prescribe medication to reduce your anxiety.