Hyperventilation (Q46968)

Hyperventilation refers to an increase in the rate of alveolar ventilation that is excessive for the rate of metabolic carbon dioxide production, resulting in a decrease in arterial PCO2 to below the normal range of 37 to 43 mm Hg. Hyperventilation should be distinguished from tachypnoea, an increase in respiratory frequency, and from hyperpnea, an increase in minute volume of ventilation.