What condition is primarily caused by hyperventilation?

Hyperventilation primarily leads to respiratory alkalosis. This condition arises when an individual breathes excessively fast or deep, leading to an increased expulsion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. CO2 is an important component in the regulation of blood pH; as its levels decrease due to hyperventilation, the pH of the blood rises, resulting in alkalosis.

In this state, the elevated pH can cause various physiological symptoms, including lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and even muscle spasms. Understanding the dynamics of CO2 and its relationship to pH is essential in grasping why hyperventilation results in respiratory alkalosis specifically, rather than acidosis or metabolic disturbances.