Why do quick, deep, breaths cause a feeling like a high?
In: Biology
Specifically, when you hyperventilate, you lower the concentration of CO2 (carbon dioxide) in your blood. This changes your blood chemistry; your blood becomes more alkalotic (less acidic — the concentration of H+ or hydrogen ions lessens). As a result of this, you develop a temporary lowering of calcium ions (Ca++) in your blood (they get bound to a protein called albumin).
Calcium ions are important in muscle contraction and nerve conduction. Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) produces the feelings you are talking about. Nerve conduction is altered (so you get tingling around your mouth, and in the hands, for example), and muscle contraction increases.
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