Etymed
hypocapnia
Definition
Abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood
Clinical context
A 25-year-old woman presents to the emergency department after experiencing rapid breathing and dizziness following a stressful exam. Her arterial blood gas shows a pH of 7.55 with a PCO2 of 28 mmHg. She has been hyperventilating due to anxiety, leading to excessive elimination of CO2. Physical examination reveals carpopedal spasms and tingling in her fingers.
Mnemonic
Hyperventilation = HypeCapnia = High pH, Low CO2