Q What is hyper ventilation?
Hyperventilation occurs when the rate and quantity of alveolar ventilation of carbon dioxide exceeds the bodys production of carbon dioxide. It can be voluntary or involuntary. Swimming or yoga may involve voluntary hyperventilation. Involuntary hyperventilation can occur in response to both physical and emotional stimuli. These include reduced air pressure at high altitudes, raised progesterone levels in pregnancy, head injury, stroke, respiratory disorders such as asthma and pneumonia, cardiovascular problems such as pulmonary embolisms, anemia, adverse reactions to certain drugs, physical or emotional stress, fear, pain, and anxiety.