hyperventilatieprovocation

Hyperventilatieprovocation is a clinical procedure used in the assessment of breathing-related symptoms. It involves temporarily increasing ventilation to reproduce symptoms characteristic of hyperventilation syndrome or panic. The maneuver is typically performed under medical supervision and is used to aid diagnosis, differentiate functional breathing disorders from cardiopulmonary disease, and to study mechanisms of breathing regulation.

Procedure: In a controlled setting, the patient is asked to breathe rapidly and deeply for a brief period, often several minutes, while clinicians monitor vital signs and symptoms. End-tidal CO2 or arterial blood gas measurements may be recorded before and after the procedure to document hypocapnia and alkalosis. The exact protocol varies by institution. The test is stopped if the patient experiences intolerable distress or adverse symptoms.

Clinical use and interpretation: A positive response is the reproduction of typical hyperventilation-related symptoms such as paresthesias, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest tightness, or tingling, in the appropriate clinical context. A positive result supports a diagnosis of hyperventilation syndrome or dysfunctional breathing when other serious conditions have been excluded. However, the test is not pathognomonic and results must be interpreted alongside history, physical examination, and other investigations.

Limitations and safety: The procedure can provoke discomfort, dizziness, faintness, and tingling due to respiratory alkalosis. It should be avoided or performed with caution in patients with significant cardiovascular disease, severe anxiety, or other contraindications. Availability and utility of hyperventilatieprovocation vary across guidelines, and many clinicians rely on clinical assessment rather than routine testing.