Criteria for the diagnosis of hyperventilation:
(1) one or more signs and symptoms associated with hyperventilation
(2) reversal of findings when alkalosis and hypocapnia are corrected
Clinical findings - head and neck:
(1) aerophagia
(2) dry mouth
(3) diplopia or altered vision
Clinical findings - chest:
(1) chest pain
(2) dyspnea
(3) palpitations
(4) tachycardia ("heart racing")
(5) epigastric pain
Clinical findings - musculoskeletal:
(1) cramping
(2) paresthesias
(3) stiffness
(4) tetany
(5) fatigue or weakness
(6) tension
(7) tremors
(8) coolness in the distal extremities
Clinical findings - mental and behavioral:
(1) dizziness
(2) lightheadedness
(3) altered state of consciousness
(4) anxiety
(5) inability to concentrate
(6) disturbed sleep (insomnia or somnolence)
(7) giddiness
Some patients develop patterns of 2 or more of these symptoms that can recur.
