respiratory alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of acidity, or high level of alkalinity, in the body's fluids, particularly the blood. This condition arises from respiratory causes, specifically hyperventilation, which is an abnormal increase in breathing rate.12

During hyperventilation, the body expels carbon dioxide faster than it is produced, leading to a decrease in blood carbon dioxide levels. This reduction in carbon dioxide causes the blood to become more alkaline, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Common triggers for hyperventilation include anxiety and panic disorders, but it can also be associated with conditions like asthma, heart failure, and pneumonia. The resulting alkalosis can lead to symptoms such as light-headedness and tingling due to constricted blood vessels supplying the brain.21