Hyperventilation Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperventilation syndrome refers to a collection of physical and emotional symptoms, brought about by hyperventilation. Though it is a relatively common presentation to the emergency department, there are only a few studies on hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) especially from India. This study aims at studying the factors associated with hyperventilation syndrome in the current study population. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 83 patients with HVS. Patient responses were recorded on Nijmegen questionnaire and Perceived stress scale and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: Study population included 83 patients, 78.32% of the populations were females and 21.68% were males. The mean age of the population is 19.28 years. 66.26% were adolescents, 81.92% are students and 68.67% were residing in hostel. 12.05% had previous episodes of hyperventilation. Carpo-pedal spasm was the presenting symptom in 40.96% population and exams were the cause of stress for 32.5% population. The mean score on perceived stress scale is 24.92. 59.03% had moderate and 38.55% had severe stress as per scores on perceived stress scale. Conclusion: High student population presenting with HVS and exams being the precipitating stressor, high scores on perceived stress scale emphasizes the need to address the need for stress free curriculum and greater insights in to the issue.