Hyperventilation symptoms can be similar to symptoms that are caused by another problem. Hyperventilation can also be directly caused by:
- A medical condition or disease. Examples include:
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- A blood clot, such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus.
- Heart failure.
- Fluid in the lungs, such as pulmonary edema.
- Infection, such as pneumonia.
- Scarring of the lungs, such as pulmonary fibrosis.
- Lung disease.
- Panic disorder.
- Thyroid problems, such as Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism.
- A rapid increase in altitude.
- Exercise.
- Fever.
- Ingestion or overdose of drugs, including amphetamine, aspirin, asthma medicines, cocaine, iron, LSD, or methamphetamine.
- Nervous system problems, such as head injuries, encephalitis, meningitis, or stroke.
- Physical problems that cause pressure on or within the chest, such as:
- Chest wall injury.
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
- Pregnancy.
- Severe abdominal fluid retention (ascites).
- Situations where there is a psychological advantage for a person to have a sudden, dramatic illness.
Current as of: August 6, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.