What does «hiperventilación» mean in Spanish?
- Excessively rapid and deep breathing.
- A condition characterized by abnormally prolonged and rapid breathing, resulting in decreased carbon dioxide levels and increased oxygen levels leading to fainting, tingling of the fingers and toes and, if continued, alkalosis and loss of consciousness. Factors that can induce or maintain hyperventilation include physiological stress, anxiety or panic disorder, altitude, head injury, stroke, respiratory disorders such as asthma, pneumonia or hyperventilation syndrome, cardiovascular problems such as pulmonary embolisms, anemia, a poorly calibrated medical ventilator, and adverse reactions to certain drugs. Hyperventilation can also be intentionally induced to achieve an altered state of consciousness, such as in the choking game, during breath work or in an attempt to prolong a breath-hold dive.