hyperventilation

noun

hy·​per·​ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌhī-pər-ˌven-tə-ˈlā-shən 

: excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood

Examples of hyperventilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Deep breathing can lead to hyperventilation—rapid breathing, leading to low carbon dioxide levels in the blood—when done improperly. —Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

According to one systematic review, breathing exercises can help people with asthma improve their quality of life, lung function, and hyperventilation symptoms.11 Are There Any Downsides to Deep Breathing? —Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

For those in the outside world prone to hyperventilation, Sunday’s loss provided a trigger with no shortage of extreme reactions and suggestions to combat the misery. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024

These practices often involve periods of hyperventilation (heavy fast breathing) mixed with breath-holding. —Bree Grant, refinery29.com, 7 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hyperventilation

noun

hy·​per·​ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌhī-pər-ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən 

: breathing that is very fast and deep and leads to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood

hyperventilate

-ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt

verb

Medical Definition

hyperventilation

noun

hy·​per·​ven·​ti·​la·​tion -ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən 

: excessive ventilation

specifically : excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood

called also overventilation