Carbon dioxide plays a vital role in the body's oxygenation process through its role of facilitating the release of oxygen from the red blood cells and into the tissues. Therefore lowering of the body's carbon dioxide level equates directly to less oxygen reaching the organs of the body, including the brain. This is why hyperventilation affects all systems of the body leading to a puzzling array of symptoms.
 
The most common symptoms of hyperventilation are:
 

Respiratory system	Shortness of breath   Tightness in chest   Over sensitivity of airways   Excessive sneezing   Production of mucus   Long term blocked or running sinus   Excessive yawning and sighing.
Nervous system:	Light-headedness   Dizziness   Unsteadiness   Poor concentration   Numbness   Tingling and coldness especially in the hands and fingers and often in the face. In severe cases, loss of memory or loss of consciousness.
Heart:	Pounding heart   Palpitations (skipped beats)   Tachycardias (racing heart beat)
Psychological:	Degrees of anxiety   Tension   Apprehension   "Unreal"feeling   Urge to flee
General:	Mouth dryness   Abdominal bloating   Belching   Flatulence   Easily tired   Poor sleep patterns   General weakness   Chronic exhaustion   Fatigue

 
For asthmatics the most common signs of hidden hyperventilation are:

Breathing through your mouth
 
Frequent sighing or yawning often
 
Upper chest breathing - using the chest muscles instead of the diaphragm to move air in and out

Copyright © 1999, Buteyko Asthma Management. All rights reserved. 
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional

medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat

a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare

provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or 

concerns you may have regarding your condition.