Le syndrome d'hyperventilation

Idiopathic hyperventilation (IHV) is a common condition characterized by chronic alveolar hyperventilation, which is inappropriate considering metabolic needs and mechanical stress in the body. The origin of this hyperventilation is unknown but may be related to an abnormality of ventilatory control, by either a hyperactivity of activator systems (automatic and cortical ventilatory control, peripheral afferents, sensory cortex) or a failure of inhibitory systems (endorphins). Whatever its origin, chronic hypocapnia causes a multitude of extremely disabling symptoms. IHV remains a diagnosis of exclusion in case of unexplained chronic alveolar hyperventilation. This diagnosis is further complicated when IHV complicates asthma. Treatment is based on physiotherapy and learning inspiratory apnea tachniques.