Respiratory alkalosis results from an increased elimination of CO2 by the lungs due to an increased rate or depth of breathing, or both. This hyperventilation causes a decrease in pCO2, called hypocapnia, and an increase in the blood pH.
Initially, respiratory alkalosis can be recognized by examining the blood pH to determine alkalosis and then comparing the pCO2 and HCO3- levels. If the pH is greater than 7.45 and the pCO2 is decreased with a normal HCO3-, the body is in respiratory alkalosis.
The body will compensate for the respiratory alkalosis via the renal system. The kidneys increase HCO3- excretion, thus resulting in a decrease in the pH.
