P.,
Here is some information that may put your mind at ease. Over oxygenation and low levels of carbon dioxide can usually be corrected by slow/deep breathing. For me, the best exercise I learned is called The Divided Breath...which actually in a sense has you holding in your breath, so the overbreathing can't occur! Let me know if you would like me to post it for you and I will.
S.C.
Often, panic and hyperventilation become a vicious cycle. Panic leads to rapid breathing, and breathing rapidly can make you feel panicked.
If you frequently overbreathe, you may have hyperventilation syndrome that is triggered by emotions of stress, anxiety, depression, or anger. Occasional hyperventilation from panic is generally related to a specific fear or phobia, such as a fear of heights, dying, or closed-in spaces (claustrophobia).
If you have hyperventilation syndrome, you might not be aware you are breathing fast. However, you will be aware of having many of the other symptoms, including:
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Belching
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Bloating
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Chest pain
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Confusion
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Dizziness
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Dry mouth
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Lightheadedness
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Muscle spasms in hands and feet
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Numbness and tingling in the arms or around the mouth
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Palpitations
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Shortness of breath
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Sleep disturbances
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Weakness