ask: i ve had hyper ventilation attacks twice, my absolute eosinophil count is 1500[ normal 440]. what risks do i run? age 20, sex f. depressed, on sleep medication skin allergies,i have no asthma, though seen in my family history

Hi Anon

Thanks for your post - and welcome!

Since you have had two attacks, I'm sure you know what the general symptoms are.
They can include
Fainting
Dizziness
Bloating
Chest Pain
Wheezing
Gas
Dry mouth

The risks that you run would be a continuation of the above uncomfortable symptoms although in very rare cases, a heart attack could follow but bear in mind that it's very rare and a person would normally have preceding heart disease.

Some hyperventilation is caused by anxiety or a panic disorder although many others have it for unknown reasons. Athletes can also suffer from it. Please read one runners story here and the subsequent comments from fellow sufferers : http://www.empowher.com/community/share/chronic-hyperventilation-syndrom...

There are things you can do to help prevent an attack :

Breathing exercises and techniques to regulate and calm your breathing.
Yoga
Pilates

Also, therapy or counseling is also recommended for many with this condition. You can't say you have chronic hyperventilation since you've only had two attacks (although that's enough for anyone, I'm sure) but many patients have seen that therapy helps them, especially when their attacks are linked to anxiety or panic. Since you have already been diagnosed with depression, therapy may be a good idea for you.

Do you know why your two attacks happened? Did they stem from anxiety or something physical?

http://www.empowher.com/community/share/chronic-hyperventilation-syndrom...