Sometimes I breathe too fast

[richard]

When I am stressed I breathe too fast and it makes me dizzy...is this normal?

I am 25 years old and quite fit otherwise...my doc says I worry too much...he is probably right but I don't understand why breathing in extra oxygen should cause me to get dizzy!

Any help would be appreciated

Rich

[Dr_Gotkine]

Thanks Richard,

Well the symptoms you describe are compatible with and typical of hyperventilation which is often related to anxiety.

The problem is not actually the increased oxygen taken in, rather the main problem is the extra carbon dioxide (CO2) removed from the body with each breath.

The amount of CO2 in our blood is a major factor in determining the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of our blood.
We normally breath at the right speed to keep the pH constant.

When we do exercise, we make more acid in our muscles which triggers our brain to force us to breath faster, thus getting rid of the acid.

In fact, we prepare for "exercise" by breathing faster even before we start, for instance before a race or if we suspect we will soon need to run away from danger.

Many of the "dangers" that we face as humans do not actually require a physical response...but we sometimes respond the same way by breathing faster. As we are not making any extra acid, but still getting rid of it (through breathing-out CO2) our acid levels drop and this can cause a number of problems:-

1) Our brain works less well (may cause light headedness, confusion etc)
2) Our nerves work less well (may cause tingling & numbness in fingers, toes and around mouth)

Hope that helps,

[richard]

Thanks for that doc!

I get it now...will try to relax !