How is hyperventilation defined?

Hyperventilation is defined as a greater than normal rate of breathing that results in an abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood. When a person hyperventilates, they breathe more rapidly and deeply than usual, which leads to a significant increase in the exhalation of carbon dioxide. This loss of carbon dioxide can disturb the acid-base balance in the body, leading to symptoms such as light-headedness, tingling in the extremities, or even fainting. The body’s carbon dioxide levels drop, potentially resulting in respiratory alkalosis, which is an increase in blood pH.

Understanding this concept is crucial for anyone involved in sports massage and therapy, as hyperventilation can affect a client’s physical state and response to treatment. Recognizing these symptoms allows a sports massage therapist to make informed decisions about interventions and to manage a client's physiological responses effectively during a session.

Other definitions provided, such as those involving blood pressure or muscle size increase in resistance training, do not pertain to the respiratory function or the effects of breathing patterns on blood gas levels, and therefore are not relevant to the condition of hyperventilation.