Hypoventilation
Type: Symptom
Definition
Breathing at an abnormally slow rate, resulting in an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Clinical Details
To compensate for the severe loss of acid (alkalosis) caused by low chloride, the brainstem intentionally suppresses the respiratory drive. By breathing slower and shallower, the lungs retain carbon dioxide, which dissolves into the blood as carbonic acid to help normalize the pH. While necessary for acid-base balance, this reduces overall oxygenation.