Hyperventilation is abnormally deep or rapid breathing, usually caused by anxiety. It causes an abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, which can lead to alkalosis (which is an increase in blood alkalinity). There are other causes for hyperventilation, including: * severe stomach pains. * heart or lung disease. * extensive physical injuries. * diabetes * kidney failure
While frightening for the casualty and the onlooker, hyperventilation is not usually dangerous. Symptoms normally last for 15 to 30 minutes.
