Hyperventilation

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms? How long have you had your symptoms? What was happening in your life when your symptoms began?
• Have you had this problem before? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
• What activities make your symptoms better or worse?
• Do you think that sports activities or activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms? Have you recently changed jobs, been laid off, or been fired?
• Do you have a lot of stress in your life? Have you recently had a change in your family, such as a divorce or death of a loved one?
• Has anyone else in your family ever had problems with hyperventilation or been diagnosed with an Reference anxiety disorder Opens New Window or Reference depression Opens New Window?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What nonprescription medicines have you tried? Did they help?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines do you take?
• Do you smoke or use other tobacco products?
• Are you using alcohol or illegal drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, to help manage your symptoms?
• Do you have any Reference health risks?

While waiting for your appointment, it may be helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

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