Hyperventilation (or something)

[Itsme]

As an introduction, I am only 18 years old and seem to be suffering from hyperventilation.  My breathing is uneasy sometimes and getting a full breath can be difficult.  Getting to sleep is also not easy as sometimes I seem to stop breathing when I drift off and wake back up instantly, requiring breath.  Although the latter is more related to sleep apnea I have done some research and the only condition I found which matched how I felt was the description of hyperventilation.  Today was my worst 'session' ever, my breathing felt uneasy and all of a sudden I felt slightly dizzy and my fingers were tingling!!  At 18, not 65!!  Apparently, hyperventilation can be caused by long term inefficient breathing and can be corrected by using 'proper' breathing techniques.  Please could you advise me as to where I could obtain information about such techniques.  This is proving to be a most uncomfortable period of my life.  I have recently moved to University but I do not feel any anxiety or panic in my general life, totally relaxed yet I still seem to get these stress related symptoms (which when they happen DO cause me to panic).  My intake of caffeine has increased exponentially however, thanks to the cheapness of coke here, could that be related?  I have stopped now as I think it might be.  Thank you very much for your time.  I look forward to a professional response :)

[National Jewish]

Hyperventilation is a symptom not a syndrome. This means that the same problem can have many different causes including a variety of brain and respiratory problems that can need more specific treatment than

[Itsme]

I have been thinking back over my respiratory history and I dO remember that very very rarely, maybe once every 4 months I can cough up strange solid yellow lumps, like congealed phlegm (lovely) or something.  A throat infection perhaps??

Sigh, hate illnesses you can't SEE and TOUCH then you don't panic as you know they are there, but the not knowing is the worst bit.  Maybe I'm just nuts :)