Hyperventilating while you're swimming can be a scary and potentially dangerous experience, so it's important to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you're having difficulties catching your breath during physical exertion, consult your doctor to determine if your symptoms are from asthma or are related to anxiety.
Identification
Hyperventilation significantly reduces the carbon dioxide in your blood, which causes you to take fast, deep breaths. You may have difficulties catching your breath and have chest tightness. Heart palpitations may be present, which make you sense that your heart is beating harder and faster than normal. Other symptoms of hyperventilation include dizziness, confusion, bloating, weakness and dry mouth. If you have exercise-induced asthma, a cough is usually present with wheezing and shortness of breath. A panic attack while hyperventilating can cause you to think something bad is about to happen.
Causes
The symptoms of exercise-induced asthma are usually brought on by hyperventilation. As you begin exercising, your airways narrow and become irritated, which usually occurs from dry and cold air -- not typically found in a swimming environment. Hyperventilation can also be caused by fear. A fear of drowning is an example of a phobia that could lead to anxiety or a panic attack, which results in excessive breathing. If you're swimming at a vigorous intensity level, you may start hyperventilating because of perceived breathing difficulties although you're experiencing normal discomfort from physical exertion.
Treatments
If there's an underlying condition that's causing your hyperventilation while swimming, it's important to have this treated. A panic disorder can lead to frequent panic attacks, but this can be treated with the help of a psychiatrist. Antidepressants and sedatives can be used to minimize the occurrence of the attacks. Psychotherapy can work for you by helping you find better ways to cope with stress and conflict. During hyperventilation, breathe through pursed lips or cover your mouth and one nostril so you're only breathing through one nostril. Beta-blockers can be used for frequent hyperventilation while swimming. If your doctor determines you have exercise-induced asthma, a short-acting bronchodilator taken shortly before swimming can usually control the symptoms for several hours.
Prevention
Learn meditative breathing techniques to help control your breathing. If you feel you're about to hyperventilate, stop swimming and take slow, deep breaths. If you have been diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, always remember to take your inhaler before swimming. If you're prone to panic attacks or have fears related to swimming, stick to the treatment plan designed for you by your counselor or psychiatrist.
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