What is hyperventilation commonly associated with?

Hyperventilation is typically characterized by excessive over-breathing, which results in a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This physiological response can occur due to various factors such as anxiety, stress, or strenuous activity, causing the individual to breathe rapidly or deeply. When someone hyperventilates, they expel more carbon dioxide than their body produces, leading to a state of respiratory alkalosis, where the blood becomes less acidic.

This condition commonly manifests in symptoms such as lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and even fainting. Understanding hyperventilation is crucial for pilots and individuals in similar professions, as it can impact performance and decision-making when under stress. There are conditions, like altitude sickness or the inability to equalize pressure in the ears, that might be associated with changes in breathing patterns, but they do not define hyperventilation itself.