Final answer:
Hyperventilation can lead to respiratory alkalosis, which is a condition where the blood becomes overly alkaline due to low carbon dioxide levels. This occurs when someone breathes deeper or more frequently than normal, causing excess CO₂ to be exhaled from the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hyperventilation is an increased ventilation rate that leads to abnormally low blood carbon dioxide levels and high (alkaline) blood pH. Hyperventilation can result in respiratory alkalosis, which is a condition where the blood is overly alkaline due to a deficiency in carbonic acid and CO₂ levels in the blood.
When a person hyperventilates, they breathe deeper or more frequently than normal, causing excess CO₂ to be exhaled from the lungs. This can be due to various factors such as emotional upset, fever, infections, or high levels of stress hormones. As a result of hyperventilation, the blood becomes more alkaline and respiratory alkalosis occurs.