Causes of hyperventilation

psycho-social stress as the cause of chronic hyperventilation
psycho-social stress as the cause of chronic hyperventilation

The is a lot of documentation about the causes of chronic hyperventilation. But little is clear yet. Often mentioned non-psychological causes are:

  • asthma
  • pain
  • pneumonia
  • anemia
  • chest or heart complaints
  • fever
  • speaking for a prolonged periods
  • diabetes
  • kidney and liver disorders
  • increased progesterone levels
  • Pfeiffer’s disease
  • virus infections

However, hyperventilation usually occurs as a result of the psycho-social stress under which people live. Because of this the disease is labeled as psychosomatic.

Causes of hyperventilation – how does it begin?

The first hyperventilation attack often precedes a longer period of psycho-social stress, anxiety or depression. Frustrations, anger or grief are not sufficiently expressed. Examples of these are: death, divorce, dismissal, unemployment, relocation, war, puberty. It is likely that other factors also contribute to chronic hyperventilation syndrome. For example, deep inhalation when smoking of cigarettes can be regarded as a form of hyperventilation. And this can develop into the chronic hyperventilation syndrome with all the symptoms. Also with excessive caffeine use the symptoms appear exactly the same. Caffeine in coffee, cola, tea, chocolate milk, but also aspirin, nicotine and amphetamines – especially in case of overuse – stimulates the respiratory center to increased activity.

In the situations mentioned above, the patient breathes more than is actually necessary. As a result, the CO2 buffers of the body are used up and the patient slowly but surely develops a chronic hyperventilation syndrome.

The psychological profile of people with chronic hyperventilation

The psychological profile of people with chronic hyperventilation
The psychological profile of people with chronic hyperventilation

People who hyperventilate are usually insecure. They try hard to appear independent. They are often afraid to make a weak, childish impression. And they often set high standards for themselves. Usually they exhibit an excess of duty and perfectionism. Under psycho-social stress conditions they overwork themselves. They act ‘as if nothing is wrong’. They have the constant tendency to control or repress their feelings and expressions of frustration. Loneliness also carries an increased risk of hyperventilation.