What is the recommended treatment for hyperventilation occurring below 8,000 feet?

The recommended treatment for hyperventilation occurring below 8,000 feet is to slow the breathing rate to below 12 times per minute. This approach helps to restore the body's balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen. During hyperventilation, an individual exhales too much carbon dioxide, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, tingling in the extremities, and increased heart rate. By consciously slowing down the breathing rate, the body can retain more carbon dioxide, alleviating these symptoms and helping the individual regain normal respiratory function.

Focusing solely on deep breaths and holding them, using supplemental oxygen, or engaging in rapid shallow breathing can exacerbate the situation or may not address the underlying cause effectively. Therefore, the technique of slowing the breathing rate directly targets the physiological response associated with hyperventilation and is the best practice in managing this condition at lower altitudes.