Answer :
Option b, hyperventilation is characterized by an increase in ventilation that exceeds the rate of CO2 production, leading to low blood CO2 levels and a higher, more alkaline blood pH. This differs from hyperpnea, where increased breathing matches oxygen needs due to activity.
In hyperventilation, ventilation increases in excess of the rate of CO2 production. This condition occurs when the rate of ventilation is high, and triggers a drop in blood carbon dioxide levels, leading to a rise in blood pH, a state known as alkalosis. Unlike hyperpnea, which is an increased depth and rate of ventilation meeting the increased oxygen demand, such as during exercise, hyperventilation is not necessarily linked to the demand for oxygen by the cells. It can be a response to stress, panic attacks, certain medical conditions or it may occur voluntarily.
The overbreathing that characterizes hyperventilation results in a decrease in blood carbon dioxide levels because CO2 is expelled from the lungs at a rate quicker than it is produced by cellular respiration. This alters the acid-base balance of the blood, making it more alkaline. Over time, the body attempts to restore equilibrium, which can be experienced through various physical symptoms associated with hyperventilation.
