What physiological condition occurs when breathing is rapid enough to expel CO2 faster than it is produced?

Hyperventilation is the physiological condition characterized by rapid and deep breathing that results in the expulsion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body at a rate faster than it is produced. This rapid loss of CO2 leads to a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood, causing respiratory alkalosis, which can result in symptoms such as lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and shortness of breath.

When hyperventilation occurs, the balance of acids and bases in the body is disrupted as the bicarbonate buffering system is affected by the reduced levels of CO2. This situation can arise from various triggers, including anxiety, fever, or certain medical conditions that stimulate increased respiration. Understanding hyperventilation helps in recognizing the potential clinical implications, such as the need for interventions to restore normal breathing patterns and correct pH balance.