Respiratory alkalosis is a medical condition in which increased respiration elevates the blood pH beyond the normal range (7.35–7.45) with a concurrent reduction in arterial levels of carbon dioxide.

[5] Respiratory compensation is also a condition where increased respiration reduces carbon dioxide sometimes to level below the normal range.

In this case it is a physiological response to low pH from metabolic processes and not the primary disorder.

It is not used by clinicians who prefer a practical rather than a theoretical approach [12] There are two types of respiratory alkalosis: chronic and acute as a result of the 3–5 day delay in kidney compensation of the abnormality.

When PaCO2 is adjusted rapidly in individuals with chronic respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis may occur.

[17] In The Andromeda Strain, one of the characters is exposed to contamination, but saves himself by increasing his respiratory rate to induce alkalosis.