hyperventilating

5 synonyms for hyperventilating, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — Breathing faster and more deeply than the body needs, so that too much carbon dioxide is lost — often during panic or anxiety, causing dizziness, tingling in the hands and a feeling of breathlessness.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

overbreathing panting overreacting panicking getting worked up

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

Breathing faster and more deeply than the body needs, so that too much carbon dioxide is lost — often during panic or anxiety, causing dizziness, tingling in the hands and a feeling of breathlessness.

“She was hyperventilating in the corridor and could not get a word out.”

overbreathing panting

2. verb informal

Reacting with wild, disproportionate excitement or alarm.

“The press has been hyperventilating about the reshuffle all week.”

overreacting panicking getting worked up

How to use hyperventilating

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

start hyperventilating hyperventilating with panic stop hyperventilating

Neutral in medical and everyday use; the exaggerated-reaction sense is informal and often mocking.

Etymology

From Greek hyper-, over or excessive, and Latin ventilare, to fan or blow.

Full origin of hyperventilating →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between hyperventilating and a panic attack?

Hyperventilating is the breathing pattern itself; a panic attack is the wider episode of sudden intense fear, which often includes hyperventilation along with a racing heart, chest tightness and a sense of dread. You can hyperventilate without panic, for example during strenuous exertion or certain illnesses.

How do you stop hyperventilating?

Slow the breathing rather than take in more air: breathe in through the nose for a count of four and out slowly for six, keeping the shoulders down. Breathing into a paper bag is old advice and is no longer recommended, because it can be dangerous if the cause is not anxiety. Seek medical help if it happens repeatedly or with chest pain.

Why does hyperventilating make your hands tingle?

Fast breathing blows off carbon dioxide, which raises blood pH and reduces the calcium available to nerves. That makes nerves fire more easily, producing tingling in the fingers and around the mouth, and sometimes cramping. It resolves once breathing slows.

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panicking overbreathing panting

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