SYNDROMES, SYMPTOMS, AND DEFICITS

◄ symptoms and deficits ►

Hypocapnia (CO₂ deficit) as a consequence of overbreathing is commonplace. It is estimated that 10 to 25 percent of the U.S. population may be suffering some of the effects of overbreathing! The effects of behaviorally altering acid-base physiology, as described at other site pages of this website, can be profound and dramatic, effects well recognized in clinical physiology. Hypocapnia may cause, trigger, exacerbate, and/or perpetuate profound short-term and long-term physical and mental changes, some of which are summarized below:

NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS: epilepsy, ADD, ADHD
COGNITIVE DEFICITS: attention, learning, thinking, problem solving, memory
PSYCHOMOTOR DISTURBANCES: coordination, reaction time, integration
EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY: anger, anxiety, low mood, frustration tolerance
PERFORMANCE ANXIETY: public speaking, test taking, music recitals
PSYCHOLOGICAL SYNDROMES: phobias, panic attack, anxiety syndromes, depression
PERSONALITY CHANGES: self-esteem, confidence, cognitive style, emotional posture
DEFENSIVENESS: denial, self-talk, dissociation, disconnectedness
STRESS SYMPTOMS: fatigue, generalized anxiety, burnout, and physical symptoms
CARDIOVASCULAR DISTURBANCES: angina, heart attack, arrhythmias, nonspecific pain, ECG abnormalities
VASCULAR SYMPTOMS: hypertension, migraine phenomena, digital artery spasm, ischemia
RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS: bronchial constriction and spasm, airway resistance, asthma symptoms and attack
GASTRIC SYMPTOMS: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, cramping, bloatedness, non ulcer dyspepsia
PREGNANCY: fetal health, premature birth, symptoms during pregnancy
MUSCLE COMPROMISE: spasm, hyperreflexia, pain, tetany, weakness, fatigue, and stiffness
NEUROMUSCULAR DYSFUNCTIONS: repetitive strain injury (RSI), pain, injury, fibromyalgia
BLOOD IRREGULARITIES: red blood cell rigidity (effects of calcium), thrombosis (blood clotting)
PHYSICAL DEFICITS: physical endurance, altitude sickness, acute fatigue, chronic fatigue, effort syndrome
SLEEP DISTURBANCES: apnea and other disturbances

What are the physiological principles that account for these effects? Click here to learn more: physiological changes.

What are some of the immediate symptoms of hypocapnia? Click here to learn more: acute effects.

Copyrighted by Behavioral Physiology Institute, Boulder, Colorado USA