How to Fix Respiratory Alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis, defined by low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, is most frequently caused by hyperventilation (also one of its primary symptoms) which can be triggered by fear, anxiety, stress or pain.
Hyperventilation manifests itself in a vicious cycle of increasingly rapid breathing. As the respiration rate climbs, respiratory alkalosis sets in, signaling the body's hemoglobin to hold on to its oxygen instead of releasing it to the body's tissues. This results in heightened sense of anxiety and hunger for air, which further increases the respiratory rate. And the cycle continues. The key to breaking this cycle is to convince the increasingly anxious person who is starving for air to breath more slowly.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Make a connection with the person who is suffering from respiratory alkalosis. Look him or her in the eye and explain calmly that their breathing is too fast and shallow.
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Mirror his or her breathing. Breath along with the person (initially at his or her rate) and then tell the the person to breath along with you. Maintain eye contact. As he or she starts to follow you, increase the depth of your breaths and slow your breathing rate down gradually.
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Allow the respiratory alkalosis sufferer to breath into a paper bag if the first two steps have little or no effect. Make sure to cover the person's mouth and nose completely. Breathing into a bag helps the person to visualize their breathing, sometimes making it easier to control. Having the bag in place also allows carbon dioxide to be inhaled and this can help as well.
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Use a rebreathing mask. This type of mask allows for the rebreathing of carbon dioxide more efficiently than a bag, which can help to reduce the hyperventilation.
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Try other alternatives. In cases of respiratory alkalosis where hyperventilation is not the determined cause, sedatives and/or antidepressants may be tried in addition to antibiotics or other medications that treat fever, seizures or irregular heart beats. If the respiratory alkalosis is the result of a drug overdose, treatment for poisoning may be needed.
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Tips & Warnings
A rebreathing mask should be only be used after consulting with a doctor.
