10.12 Hyperventilation

10.12.2 Define hyperventilation.

Hyperventilation is a condition in which you start to breathe very fast. 

Healthy breathing occurs with a healthy balance between breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. 

You upset this balance when you hyperventilate by exhaling more than you inhale.

The carbon dioxide concentration of the blood reduces to below its normal level because more carbon dioxide is being exhaled than is being produced in the body.  

The chemistry of the blood changes as a consequence of the deficiency of carbon dioxide and the acidity of the body falls below its normal level.  

10.12.4 Explain the causes of hyperventilation.

Usually brought on by anxiety (possibly because the patient believes that sufficient oxygen is unavailable), however any form of stress may induce the condition.