What disturbance occurs in acid and base balance due to alveolar hyperventilation?

Alveolar hyperventilation refers to an increase in the rate and depth of breathing, which leads to excessive expulsion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lungs. CO2 is a key component in the body's acid-base balance, as it interacts with water in the body to form carbonic acid. When CO2 levels drop due to hyperventilation, there is a decrease in the concentration of carbonic acid in the blood, leading to an increase in blood pH.

This increase in pH indicates a more alkaline state in the body, which is classified as respiratory alkalosis. During respiratory alkalosis, the primary cause of the disturbance is hyperventilation, which is characterized by the rapid removal of CO2, as opposed to other types of acidosis or alkalosis that may arise from metabolic issues. Understanding this relationship is key in grasping how respiratory function directly influences acid-base homeostasis in the body.