Which treatments for the hyperventilation syndrome in adults?

Abstract

The hyperventilation syndrome is a complex entity whose management is poorly codified. A Cochrane review in 2013 [1] highlighted the lack of proof in the treatment of this disease. The aim of this presentation is to expose the different options used in hyperventilation syndrome and to discuss their efficacy. We performed a narrative review in Pubmed, Science direct and clinical trials, with the keyword “hyperventilation syndrome”, “Dysfunctional breathing”, “breathing exercise”, “physical therapy”, “rehabilitation”, “treatment”, without limitation of date. Fifteen articles were selected. Among them, three studies about drug treatment and the others about non-pharmacological approaches. Among the last ones, a re-educational approach based on abdominal ventilation and regulation of the ventilatory rate, and an educative approach seems to be the most effective. Methodological biases did not permit a conclusion on the efficacy of these treatments. No study was done to explore the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation. A recent study was proposed on clinical trials to explore the nasal ventilation as a therapeutic modality. Teaching abdominal ventilation and respiratory rate regulation, associated with a personalized therapeutic education, seems to be a pertinent management approach. Other clinical studies should explore this issue.