Hyperventilation Syndrome in Adolescent Athletes

Abstract

In brief: Ten high school students (three males, seven females) hyperventilated 12 times during athletic events over a two-year period. Symptoms associated with hyperventilation syndrome include an inability to catch one's breath, rapid deep respirations, anxiety (often associated with losing among athletes), tetany, numbness of lips and hands, chest pain, and even loss of consciousness. Treatment may consist of rebreathing into a paper bag, which is embarrassing in front of observers, or slowly inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.