What does hyperventilation refer to in terms of breathing behavior?

Hyperventilation refers to an elevated rate and/or depth of breathing. This physiological response results in an excessive expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can cause respiratory alkalosis. Factors that contribute to hyperventilation can include anxiety, stress, high levels of physical activity, or certain medical conditions.

Understanding hyperventilation is critical in aerospace physiology, especially in aviation where stress and altitude can impact respiratory patterns. In these high-pressure environments, recognizing and addressing hyperventilation can be vital for maintaining optimal physiological function. While options indicating decreased or irregular patterns of breathing may describe other respiratory issues, they do not accurately capture the essence of hyperventilation, which is defined by its increase in breathing characteristics.