Normalizing CO2 in chronic hyperventilation by means of a novel breathing mask: a pilot study. (20th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johansen, Troels; Jack, Sandy; Dahl, Ronald
• Is Part Of: Clinical respiratory journal. Volume 7:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 366
• Publication Date: 2013-03-20
• Subjects: breathing mask -- dysfunctional breathing -- hyperventilation -- hypocapnia -- rebreathing -- respiratory acidosis -- respiratory alkalosis; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Periodicals; 616.24
• DOI: 10.1111/crj.12016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-6981

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Chronic idiopathic hyperventilation (CIH) is a form of dysfunctional breathing that has proven hard to treat effectively. Objectives: To perform a preliminary test of the hypothesis that by periodically inducing normocapnia over several weeks, it would be possible to raise the normal resting level of CO2 and achieve a reduction of symptoms. Methods: Six CIH patients were treated 2 h a day for 4 weeks with a novel breathing mask. The mask was used to induce normocapnia in these chronically hypocapnic patients. Capillary blood gases and acid/base parameters [capillary CO2 tension (PcapCO2 ), pH, and standard base excess (SBE)] were measured at baseline and once each week at least 3 h after mask use, as well as spirometric values, breath‐holding tolerance and hyperventilation symptoms as per the Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ). Results: The mask treatment resulted in a significant increase of resting PcapCO2 (+0.45 kPa, P = 0.028), a moderate increase in SBE (+1.4 mEq/L, P = 0.035) and a small reduction in daily symptoms (−3.8 NQ units, P = 0.046). The effect was most pronounced in the first 2 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: By inducing normocapnia with the breathing mask 2 h a day for 4 weeks, the normal resting CO2 and acid/base levels in chronically hyperventilating patients were partially corrected, and symptoms were reduced.