hyperventilation

[ hahy-per-ven-tl-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. excessively rapid and deep breathing.
2. a condition characterized by abnormally prolonged and rapid breathing, resulting in decreased carbon dioxide levels and increased oxygen levels that produce faintness, tingling of the fingers and toes, and, if continued, alkalosis and loss of consciousness.

hyperventilation

/ ˌhaɪpəˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. an increase in the depth, duration, and rate of breathing, sometimes resulting in cramp and dizziness

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyperventilation¹

First recorded in 1925–30; hyper- + ventilation

Example Sentences

Slower practices calmed his mind and body while faster ones like holotropic breathing put his body into a state of hyperventilation and gave him profound psychedelic experiences.

From Salon

In theory, the hyperventilation breathing technique would trigger the sympathetic nervous system, depriving the body of oxygen and pumping adrenaline that would make blood vessels contract, said study author Sascha Ketelhut, a researcher at the University of Bern.

From Salon

Boy met girl, football fans met Swifties and each new development became a cause for hyperventilation.

From New York Times

Boy met girl, football fans met Swifties and each new development became a cause for hyperventilation.

From New York Times

These brief losses of consciousness, whether brought by pain, fear, heat, hyperventilation or other causes, account for a significant portion of hospital emergency room visits.

From Science Daily