Tachypnea and Hyperventilation

Chest | Pulmonology | Tachypnea and Hyperventilation (Symptom)


Description

Tachypnea is the acceleration of respiration. It is more common in children. The most common form of tachypnea is often the result of lung problems, but it can be caused by heart failure, nerve centers that control breathing disorder, an injury to the chest or an anxiety attack. Tachypnea may cause nausea and weakness, shortness of breath, loss of balance, muscle spasms in the hands and feet, tingling around the mouth or fingers. All these symptoms are due to low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood caused by tachypnea.

Causes

The following conditions and diseases are among the possible causes of tachypnea. There are probably other possible causes, so it is advisable to consult the doctor and discuss the symptoms with him: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, or costochondritis, chest trauma, stroke, encephalitis, meningitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, pulmonary edema, severe anemia, metabolic acidosis, pulmonary embolism, poor health, myocardial infarction, hyperthyroidism, pneumothorax, pregnancy.

Other symptoms that may occur include dizziness, loss of consciousness, unconsciousness, shortness of breathing, increased heart rate, blue skin, wheezing.

Diagnosis and treatment

Chest x-rays are performed to rule out other respiratory and blood causes, blood cultures are performed to rule out other infections. Oxygen levels, breathing and heart rate for 1 or 2 days will be continuously monitored, especially if the patient is a small child. ...