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Published on: January 29, 2011
Hyperventilation and the body
1Social Sciences and Human Services, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah 07430, USA.
Abstract:
Hyperventilation has rapid and far-ranging physiological effects via its alteration of pH and depletion of CO2 in the body, resulting in respiratory alkalosis, acute or chronic. The general effects on skeletal and smooth muscles, as well as neural tissue, are summarized. A wide variety of symptoms such as pain, tension, disturbances of consciousness, circulatory problems and cardiovascular effects can confound treatment efforts but may respond to alterations of breathing patterns. Suggestions are given for detecting this condition.
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