Breathing, rapid

Alternative names:

fast breathing; hyperventilation; increased rate of breathing; rapid breathing; respiratory rate-rapid; tachypnea

Definition:

Excessive, rapid, and deep breathing resulting in the decrease of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Considerations:

Hyperventilation almost always occurs in young adults. It is more common in women but is also frequent in men.

It usually occurs in people who are nervous and tense, but can also be a symptom of certain diseases and disorders.

Common causes:

• anxiety and nervousness
• stress
• alcohol use
• asthma
• croup syndrome
• situations where there is a psychological advantage in having a sudden, dramatic illness
• severe pain
• drugs (such as an aspirin overdose)
• ketoacidosis and similar medical conditions
• pulmonary fibrosis
• congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• interstitial pneumonia
• hantavirus
• bronchiolitis
• chemical pneumonitis
• diphtheria
• Group B streptococcal septicemia in the newborn
• meconium aspiration
• pleurisy
• pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
• respiratory distress syndrome
• respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• total anomalous PV return

Note: There may be other causes of apnea. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for apnea, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.