Question

Respiratory alkalosis can be caused by a respiratory rate in excess of that which maintains normal plasma pco2 levels. what is a common cause of respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 1

Answer: Hyperventilation syndrome

Carbon dioxide or CO2 is acid, so if the level of CO2 inside the blood decreased it will cause the blood become more alkaline. Carbon dioxide dumped when a person exhale, so if the rate of breathing increase it will reduce the CO2 level. Increased rate of breathing could be found in hyperventilation syndrome or panic attack.