Home › Patient Information › Hospitals › Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital › Hyperventilation and Panic Attacks

Hyperventilation and Panic Attacks.

You have been treated for Hyperventilation and Panic Attacks. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.

Print

Chinese (Traditional)

Hyperventilation and Panic Attacks

When we are anxious we tend to breathe quickly and shallowly. This is because if the body thinks that it is in danger, real or imagined, it produces adrenaline which helps prepare the body to fight or run for its life. This, in turn, increases the breathing rate to increase the store of oxygen needed for this.

The symptoms that you are feeling occur because when you breathe too quickly there is an imbalance between the oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

You may experience:

Shortness of breath
Tremor or muscle clamps
Dizziness
Tingling in the arms or hands
Headaches
Rapid heartbeat

These symptoms may be controlled by slow, deep, regular breathing.

Muscles in the chest are often a focal point for tension. Continuous tension in this area restricts the lungs’ capacity to fully expand. Concentration on the breath aids relaxation of the muscles.

Try holding your breath for a count of 15, every third breath. This will help reduce the oxygen in your body and help the body to return to normal.
Use the index finger on one hand to block one nostril, breathe in through the nostril and breathe out slowly. This slows and decreases the volume of each breath.
Try imagining yourself to be in a safe, relaxing or enjoyable place. These thoughts tell the brain that there is no threat of danger.

Coping with Hyperventilation or a Panic Attack

Remember that the feelings are nothing more than an exaggeration of the normal bodily reactions to stress.
They are not the least bit harmful or dangerous – just unpleasant. Nothing worse can happen.
Stop adding to the panic by dispelling frightening thoughts about what is happening and where it might lead.
Once you stop adding to it with frightening thoughts the fear starts to fade.
Wait and give the fear time to pass. Do not fight or run away from it, just accept it.

Share this...

Were you prepared for the visit today?

Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.

Am I Prepared?

Related Information

A Little Exercise

You don’t have to become a rambler, ‘hit the gym’ or run 5k to get exercise. However it is important that you get at least 150…

Exercise

Exercise in the home

Everyone should aim to achieve 150 minutes of exercise a week, but for some it may not be so easy. Here are some tips for exercise…

Exercise

QR Codes: Delivering Information

Everything you ever wanted to know about QR codes

News & Blog

Some tips to improve your mental wellbeing

Staying on top of your mental health and wellbeing is good for us and also benefit physical wellbeing over time, by reducing risk to physical health problems….

Self

Going Green

To reduce our carbon footprint and help the planet, MySelfCare and BOE have joined the Chamber Low Carbon scheme. We’re on track for becoming greenhouse gas…

News & Blog

Loss of a loved one

Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult tests of our mental wellbeing many of us can go through. Whether…

Bereavement

Was this information useful?

How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

How was your visit today?

How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals

Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.

You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.

Find Out More

News & Blog

View All

Part 2 – Delivering Information

This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.

Videos

Part 1 – Scanning QRs

This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature

Videos

Introduction Video

Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital

Videos

Stressed man frustrated with electronic devices

Burnout at work

Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…

Blog

Hyperventilation and Panic Attacks.

Hyperventilation and Panic Attacks

You may experience:

Coping with Hyperventilation or a Panic Attack

Share this...

Were you prepared for the visit today?

Related Information

A Little Exercise

Exercise in the home

QR Codes: Delivering Information

Some tips to improve your mental wellbeing

Going Green

Loss of a loved one

Was this information useful?

How was your visit today?

Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals

News & Blog

Part 2 – Delivering Information

Part 1 – Scanning QRs

Introduction Video

Burnout at work

World Alzheimer’s Month – Simple tips to reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s

Instant Translation