Which condition is associated with respiratory alkalosis?

Hyperventilation is associated with respiratory alkalosis because it leads to excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2). When a person hyperventilates, the rate and depth of breathing increase significantly, causing more CO2 to be removed from the bloodstream than can be replaced. This decrease in CO2 levels results in a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration, which raises the pH of the blood, leading to respiratory alkalosis.

Understanding this mechanism is important in the context of pathophysiology, as respiratory alkalosis can have various implications, including symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and tingling in the extremities. Recognizing the clinical situations in which hyperventilation occurs, such as during anxiety attacks or panic disorders, helps in diagnosing and managing respiratory alkalosis effectively.