Respiratory neurosis (or hyperventilation syndrome, HVS) is a neurotic disorder in which the slightest excitement is accompanied by increased ventilation of the lungs, which is primarily manifested by rapid breathing and shortness of breath. However, like other forms of neuroses, this disease causes not only dysfunction of the respiratory tract. The disorder does not have the best effect on the functioning of the immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, and genitourinary systems. In the treatment of HVS, specialists at the Leto mental health center pay priority attention to psychotherapy and non-drug methods of correcting the patient’s psycho-emotional state. In some cases, medications are required, and our doctors select medications with a high profile of clinical effectiveness and safety.
Etiology of respiratory neurosis
The main cause of the syndrome is a stressful situation . At the same time, doctors note that the level of resistance to the effects of psychotraumatic factors is strictly individual. One person can remain calm, cool and reasonable even in the face of quite serious problems, while another “loses his head” in the face of completely banal and quickly solvable family troubles. Therefore, it is impossible to name any universal stress factors that can provoke respiratory neurosis.
However, experts are convinced that people with a so-called “neurotic” character are at risk. They are distinguished by:
- suggestibility, dependence on other people's opinions;
- excessive emotional reaction to any, even minor events;
- desire to be the center of attention, fear of ridicule from others (including complete strangers);
- pessimistic attitude towards what is happening.
Persons suffering from certain somatic diseases are predisposed to the development of respiratory neurosis: chronic hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, bronchial asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease. The fact is that such pathologies are often accompanied by exacerbations, periods of pronounced deterioration in well-being, which becomes the cause of constant fear for one’s own life and health, and as a consequence, the development of a neurotic disorder.
Causes
Pathology usually occurs with anxiety neuroses, less often with hysteria. Strong experiences cause an intense release of adrenaline, which is accompanied by activation of the sympathetic nervous system, in particular, increased breathing. During repeated attacks, a person learns to breathe incorrectly. A connection is formed between lung function, intensity and nature of emotions.
Subsequently, when fear and anxiety appear, the pathological pattern starts automatically, a detailed picture of hyperventilation appears, further aggravating the psychological state of the patient. In some cases, pulmonary neurosis develops against the background of neurological, endocrine and cardiovascular diseases.
The habit of changing breathing in a special way often comes from childhood. Child observation of adults plays a certain role. Thus, patients often recall dramatic episodes of bronchial asthma or attacks of heart disease that occurred in their presence and had a serious impact on the psyche. The history often reveals a significant load on the respiratory system: playing wind instruments, running, swimming. Increasing the level of ventilation leads to consequences such as:
- increased exhalation of carbon dioxide;
- the occurrence of hypocapnia (lack of CO2 in the blood);
- respiratory alkalosis (acid-base imbalance with an increase in the number of bases).
These changes cause disturbances of consciousness, cause dizziness, aggravate vegetative reactions, and provoke the occurrence of sensitive, painful and muscle-tonic symptoms. Respiratory disorders that appear against a background of anxiety themselves become a source of even higher anxiety due to the appearance of many unpleasant symptoms. A vicious circle is formed.
Clinical manifestations
One of the main manifestations of the syndrome is shortness of breath, which occurs simultaneously with increased anxiety and restlessness. Breathing problems can be caused by:
- staying in a closed, stuffy room;
- “debriefing” at a work meeting;
- conflict with family members, friends;
- fright;
- any upcoming significant events (moving, traveling, major purchase, exams, interviews), etc.
With respiratory neurosis, there are several types of shortness of breath:
- "Empty" breath. The breathing movements are smooth and deep, but the patient claims that he “can’t breathe” and even a deep breath does not bring relief.
- Respiratory rhythm disturbances. The patient is constantly tormented by the fear of suffocation, so he carefully monitors the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, which further aggravates anxiety, nervousness and other accompanying symptoms.
- Difficulty breathing syndrome. A person complains of a feeling of stiffness, squeezing, and a lump in the chest, which is why he cannot breathe fully.
Shortness of breath is far from the only symptom of respiratory neurosis. The attack may also be accompanied by:
- rapid heartbeat;
- discomfort, sometimes chest pain;
- changes in blood pressure;
- sweating, hot or cold flashes;
- headache and dizziness;
- tremor of fingers, eyelids, tongue;
- muscle tension, myalgia;
- nausea, feeling of dry mouth;
- stool disorders, flatulence.
Outside of exacerbation, the following symptoms are typical:
- insomnia;
- frequent urination;
- causeless increase in temperature (usually to subfebrile levels);
- fatigue, exercise intolerance.
Patients with respiratory neurosis are characterized by anxiety over any, even the most insignificant, reason, fussiness, and impatience. It is very difficult for a person to concentrate on something, he is tense, constantly on the verge of a breakdown, and suffers from bad premonitions.
Respiratory neurosis: causes
The disease can be caused by a number of factors. In addition, it exists as a separate ailment or pathology in another disease. In addition, the human body is able to “remember” the reason that led to breathing problems. If those circumstances are repeated, the disease may make itself felt again. Most often, hyperventilation syndrome occurs due to a whole set of factors:
- constant emotional and mental turmoil;
- being in a stressful state for a long time;
- disease of the respiratory system;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- poisoning with toxic substances;
- drug overdose;
- problems in the digestive system;
- autonomic dysfunction;
- unstable psychological state;
- depression.
In most cases, the disease occurs due to physical factors, such as lack of sleep or increased fatigue. Difficulty breathing syndrome can also be provoked by alcoholic drinks, narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Diagnostic methods
A comprehensive examination is necessary to exclude the organic nature of such a pathological condition. They start with the simplest and most accessible research:
- clinical and biochemical blood test;
- lipid profile;
- determination of hormonal levels;
- ECG, Echo-CG;
- chest x-ray.
If the presence of any disease is suspected, more detailed and “targeted” studies , capnography (quantitative determination of carbon dioxide in exhaled air), are prescribed.
To diagnose a neurotic disorder, special tests and questionnaires are used.
Diagnostics
Determining the nature of the pathology is the responsibility of psychologists and psychotherapists who work in close collaboration with pulmonologists. Diagnosis of the disease is difficult due to the nonspecificity of symptoms and the need to exclude organic diseases. To determine the amount of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, hypercapnia is prescribed. To increase the information content of the study, the patient is first asked to breathe, as during an attack.
When making a diagnosis, the Nimigent Questionnaire is used - a special test that includes 16 questions, reflecting the presence and severity of pulmonary neurosis. The list of visualization and instrumental techniques is determined individually. In doubtful cases, fluorography, radiography of the OGK and other studies may be required.
Cost of services
| CONSULTATIONS OF SPECIALISTS | |
| Initial consultation with a psychiatrist (60 min.) | 6,000 rub. |
| Repeated consultation | 5,000 rub. |
| Consultation with a psychiatrist-narcologist (60 min.) | 5,000 rub. |
| Consultation with a psychologist | 3,500 rub. |
| Consultation with Gromova E.V. (50 minutes) | 12,000 rub. |
| PSYCHOTHERAPY | |
| Psychotherapy (session) | 7,000 rub. |
| Psychotherapy (5 sessions) | 30,000 rub. |
| Psychotherapy (10 sessions) | 60,000 rub. |
| Group psychotherapy (3-7 people) | 3,500 rub. |
| Psychotherapy session with E.V. Gromova (50 minutes) | 12,000 rub. |
| TREATMENT IN A HOSPITAL | |
| Ward for 4 persons | 10,000 rub./day |
| Ward for 3 persons | 13,000 rub./day |
| Ward 1 bed VIP | 23,000 rub./day |
| Individual post | 5,000 rub. |
| PETE | 15,000 rub./day |
This list does not contain all prices for services provided by our clinic. The full price list can be found on the “Prices” , or by calling: 8(969)060-93-93. Initial consultation is FREE!
Principles of treatment
After confirmation of the diagnosis, a course of psychotherapy . First of all, the doctor explains to the patient that the shortness of breath, feeling of suffocation and lack of air that accompany respiratory neurosis are a consequence of psycho-emotional problems, and nothing threatens his life. This will reduce emotional stress, anxiety and fear.
The second stage of psychotherapy is to clarify the most significant psychotraumatic factor, which became the trigger for respiratory neurosis. It is important not only to remove the patient’s “fixation” on this event, but also to teach him to overcome other conflict situations. If it is difficult for a patient to express emotions verbally, the doctor suggests trying to draw his feelings, display them in music, modeling, poetry, a fairy tale - the specific method of therapy depends on the age and character traits of the patient.
Standard recommendations for respiratory neurosis are:
- correction of work and rest schedules;
- moderate (in accordance with age and health status) physical activity;
- active leisure (team sports, excursions, visiting the theater, cinema, etc. - everything that helps you “disconnect” from pressing problems in the family or at work, at least for a while);
- feasible mental stress;
- proper nutrition: no snacking, excess weight only aggravates the symptoms of respiratory neurosis and often becomes the cause of additional complexes; the diet must include seasonal vegetables and fruits, lean fish, meat, cereals, nuts, etc.
But in some cases, non-drug methods are not enough. The drug therapy regimen depends on the severity of respiratory neurosis, the presence of concomitant diseases, age and individual characteristics of the patient. To eliminate internal anxiety and improve the quality and duration of sleep, the following is prescribed:
- Sedatives. Herbal and homeopathic preparations are considered safer; they practically do not cause daytime sleepiness, but are effective only as part of complex therapy. For severe symptoms, tranquilizers are used.
- Antidepressants. A specific drug is selected exclusively on an individual basis.
- Nootropics . They improve blood supply to the brain, have a positive effect on memory and cognitive functions.
- Adaptogens and B vitamins. Help cope with anxiety and restlessness, and have a general calming effect.
For more detailed information about the treatment of respiratory neurosis at the Leto clinic, please call 24/7 8(969)060-93-93.
Symptoms of respiratory neurosis
Deviations that relate to breathing problems, even simply due to nervousness, lead to convulsive lack of air, and this is a characteristic sign of the ill-fated respiratory neurosis. At the time of the onset of a nervous attack, the symptoms are standard.
The person is deprived of the ability to breathe evenly, each breath will be convulsive and short, and the patient’s breathing rate becomes increasing. As a result, the patient breathes too shallowly, very quickly, with minimal pauses for exhalation. This leads to a panic attack, where people experience a sudden, uncontrollable level of fear of their own death.
Respiratory neurosis can be acute or chronic. Let's look at these types in more detail:
- Acute respiratory neurosis - people lose control over their breathing rate, panic begins, and loss of consciousness is possible.
- Chronic respiratory neurosis - all symptoms are blurred, characterized by nervous shortness of breath during stressful situations in life. As the disease progresses, the symptoms also worsen.
The presence of respiratory neurosis can manifest itself with a wide variety of symptoms:
- gastroenterological signs ( unpleasant digestive disorders occur , increased gas formation in the intestines, constipation or, conversely, diarrhea, and even stomach pain);
- cardiac (tachycardia, acute pain in the scapula area);
- muscular (muscle weakness, tremors appear);
- neurological (attacks of suffocation, dizziness, fainting, numbness of fingers);
- psycho-emotional (emotional anxiety, insomnia, irritability);
- respiratory (cough, rapid breathing, frequent yawning or lump in throat ).
Respiratory neurosis intensifies over time, the number of symptoms also increases, and the disease worsens. If suffocation began due to nervousness and manifested itself, it will definitely return again. The main thing in the fight against a terrible disease: timely diagnosis and qualified medical treatment.
