First Aid & Emergencies

Hyperventilation Treatment

 Call 911 if the person has:

• Chest pain that is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest
• Difficulty breathing

1. Reassure the Person

• Calm the person to help reduce anxiety.

2. Help the Person Relax Breathing

Have the person sit down and try these strategies:

• Breathe through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle

• Cover the mouth and one nostril and breathe only through the other nostril

• Breathe slowly, taking 1 breath every 5 seconds

• Take deep, slow breaths from the abdomen ("belly breathing")

3. When to Get Medical Help

Go to a hospital emergency room if:

• The person's symptoms don't get better after several minutes.

• Symptoms get worse or the person is in pain.