What is the recommended treatment for hyperventilation?

• A. Ignore symptoms
• B. Reassure/calm; breathe slowly into clean air sickness bag or close one nostril; if needed O2 mask from POB (do not turn on)
• C. Increase breathing rate to steady through rapid panting
• D. Administer medication without medical advice

Answer: (B)

Hyperventilation is driven by excessive breathing that blows off too much carbon dioxide, which fuels symptoms like dizziness, tingling, and faintness. The best treatment focuses on calming the person and restoring normal breathing rhythm. Reassure them and guide a slow, steady, relaxed breath pattern. Using a breathing aid like a paper bag can help rebreathe some of the exhaled air, nudging CO2 back toward normal levels, which reduces the drive to breathe so rapidly. Oxygen from a portable supply is appropriate only if there are signs of hypoxia or another medical issue affecting oxygenation; otherwise, it’s not the primary fix for hyperventilation.

This approach targets the underlying issue—low CO2 due to overbreathing—by easing anxiety and normalizing ventilation. Ignoring symptoms offers no relief; increasing the breathing rate would worsen the problem; giving medication without medical guidance could be unsafe and unnecessary.