Plain English Meaning

Breathing too fast and too deeply for what the body actually needs, which flushes too much carbon dioxide out of the blood.

Full Definition

Breathing that is both faster and deeper than the body's metabolic demand requires, causing carbon dioxide to be exhaled more quickly than it is produced. This drop in blood carbon dioxide raises blood pH and is the underlying mechanism of hyperventilation.

Context Anchor

Seen in aeromedical discussions of hyperventilation, especially when a pilot is anxious, under stress, or trying to recover from an unusual sensation in flight.

Derivation

Respiration comes from Latin words meaning “to breathe.” Rate is how often the breaths happen, and depth is how large each breath is. Together, the phrase points to both parts of breathing that can become too much: how fast and how deep.

Why Pilots Care

Uncorrected, it produces dizziness, tingling, and impaired judgment that can to loss of .