Hyperventilation is the act of breathing too fast. These rapid breaths do not allow your body to properly absorb the required oxygen. A lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness or death, therefore it is important to get your breathing under control. One technique you can use at home is breathing into a paper bag. This allows your body to raise its CO2 level and hopefully restore a normal breathing pattern.
Instructions
1. Ensure someone else is present in case of a potential medical emergency. Squeeze the open end of the bag two inches from the top with the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand. Clamp the tip of your thumb and index finger together with in an "O" shape around the end of the bag, creating a bottle-neck. Ensure there is an opening in the neck for air to travel into the bag.
2. Place the open end over your mouth and nose. Give 6 to 12 slow breaths in and out of the bag. Slow down your breathing as you do this.
3. Remove the bag from your face after 12 breaths regardless of whether or not the hyperventilation has stopped. Breathe without the bag for a minimum of 2 minutes before using the bag again.
Tags: index finger, thumb index, thumb index finger, your body, your breathing