What is the primary goal of therapy for a patient suffering from hyperventilation syndrome?

The primary goal of therapy for a patient suffering from hyperventilation syndrome is to increase carbon dioxide pressure. Hyperventilation leads to decreased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, resulting in respiratory alkalosis and various symptoms such as light-headedness, tingling in the extremities, and even fainting.

Restoring CO2 levels, therefore, helps to alleviate symptoms and correct the acid-base imbalance created by hyperventilation. Techniques such as breathing into a paper bag or using controlled breathing exercises are often recommended, as they can help the patient breathe in their own exhaled air, thus increasing the CO2 concentration in their bloodstream.

This goal does not involve decreasing oxygen levels since the patient typically has adequate oxygen saturation, nor is the primary focus on improving circulation or administering sedatives, as these approaches do not address the underlying issue of low CO2 pressure.