Hyperventilation is a state of uncontrolled, rapid breathing. The fast-paced breathing expels more carbon dioxide from your body than usual, causing your blood's carbon dioxide level to drop and its pH to rise. As a result, the arteries constrict, causing feelings of dizziness or light-headiness.

Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of metabolism, is carried in the blood to the lungs, where it is exhaled into the atmosphere. A high level of carbon dioxide in the blood, called hypercapnia, is usually accompanied by an increase in breathing to help return levels to normal.

Many people have difficulty getting enough air through the nose and breathe primarily through the mouth. Mouth breathing can cause problems such as snoring, dry mouth, sleep problems and fatigue. Issues like a crooked nasal septum, allergies or weak, flimsy nostrils can make nose breathing a challenge.