Definition

Noun: A physiological condition characterized by an abnormally high blood pH (alkalosis) caused by a primary decrease in the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂). This decrease is due to alveolar hyperventilation, which excessively removes carbon dioxide from the blood.

Usage

This is a medical term used to describe a specific acid-base imbalance in the blood. It is typically discussed in clinical, physiological, or biochemical contexts. * The patient's rapid breathing led to a diagnosis of respiratory alkalosis. * Respiratory alkalosis is a common finding during acute anxiety attacks due to hyperventilation.

Advanced Usage

• Compensatory Mechanisms: The body may attempt to compensate for chronic respiratory alkalosis through renal mechanisms that decrease bicarbonate reabsorption.
• Primary vs. Compensatory: It is crucial to distinguish primary respiratory alkalosis from a respiratory alkalosis that is a compensatory response to a metabolic acidosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Alkalosis (n): The broader category of acid-base disorders characterized by an increase in blood pH and bicarbonate concentration. Respiratory alkalosis is one type.
• Hyperventilation (n): A state of rapid or deep breathing which is the primary cause of respiratory alkalosis.
• Hypocapnia (n): The condition of having an abnormally low level of carbon dioxide in the blood; it is the direct physiological cause of respiratory alkalosis.

Synonyms

• Hypocapnic alkalosis: A more technical synonym emphasizing the low carbon dioxide level.

Related Phrases

• To develop respiratory alkalosis: To enter into this physiological state.
  • Patients at high altitudes can develop respiratory alkalosis due to hypoxia-induced hyperventilation.

Noun

1. alkalosis resulting from increased gas exchange in the lungs (as in hyperventilation associated with extreme anxiety or aspirin intoxication or metabolic acidosis)