What is hyperventilation?

Hyperventilation is characterized by excessive breathing, which leads to an increase in the rate and depth of respiration. This condition results in a reduction of carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can cause various physical symptoms, including lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and even fainting. During hyperventilation, individuals may breathe more rapidly than necessary for their metabolic needs, often triggered by anxiety, panic attacks, or certain medical conditions.

In contrast, inadequate breathing refers to a situation where a person is not breathing sufficiently to meet the body's requirements, which would not be described as hyperventilation. Similarly, normal breathing refers to a healthy, balanced respiratory rate, and labored and slow breathing indicates respiratory distress. These conditions do not reach the level of excessive breathing that defines hyperventilation. Therefore, the correct characterization of hyperventilation is excessive breathing.