What happens during hyperventilation that affects blood pH?

During hyperventilation, the primary physiological change that occurs is the expulsion of carbon dioxide (CO2) at a rate that exceeds its production in the body. This rapid breathing leads to a decrease in the concentration of CO2 in the bloodstream. Since CO2 plays a crucial role in maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood—specifically in forming carbonic acid through its reaction with water—its depletion results in a rise in blood pH, leading to a state known as respiratory alkalosis.

When CO2 levels drop, the equilibrium shifts, causing the bicarbonate buffering system to also shift. This combined effect results in a higher pH, making the blood more alkaline. Therefore, the understanding of hyperventilation's effects on CO2 levels is essential for grasping how it consequently affects blood pH.