Hyperventilation

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

  • What are your main symptoms? How long have you had your symptoms? What was happening in your life when your symptoms began?
  • Have you had this problem before? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
  • What activities make your symptoms better or worse?
  • Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms? Have you recently changed jobs, been laid off, or been fired?
  • Do you participate in sports activities?
  • Do you have a lot of stress in your life? Have you recently had a change in your family, such as a divorce or death of a loved one?
  • Has anyone else in your family ever had problems with hyperventilation or been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or depression?
  • What home treatment measures, including non-prescription medicines, have you tried? Did they help?
  • What prescription and non-prescription medicines do you take?
  • Do you smoke or use other tobacco products?
  • Are you using alcohol or illegal drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, to help manage your symptoms?
  • Do you have any health risks?

While waiting for your appointment, it may be helpful to keep a diary of your symptomsClick here to view a form.(What is a PDF document?).


Go to previous sectionGo to previous sectionGo to top of pageGo to top of pageGo to next sectionGo to next section

Author: Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNCLast Updated: October 9, 2007
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Malin K. Clark, MD, FRCPC - Psychiatry

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise
Click here to learn about Healthwise
Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Emergencies
 Check Your Symptoms
 Home Treatment
 Prevention
Arrow PointerPreparing For Your Appointment
 Related Information
 Credits