Respiratory alkalosis may be an early sign of sepsis, preceding hypoxemia or hypotension.Cirrhosis is a common cause of persistent respiratory alkalosis that is often encountered among intubated patients.
Central neurogenic hyperventilation (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis, trauma, stroke).Excessive mechanical ventilation among intubated patients (iatrogenic).(2) Normal chest x-ray may still occur with some respiratory etiologies: mild cardiogenic pulmonary edema, pericardial tamponade, asthma, or pulmonary embolism.(1) Abnormal chest x-ray may suggest pulmonary disease as the cause.Pulmonary irritation can also drive dyspnea and increases in ventilation, likewise leading to hypocapnia. Hypoxemia itself can stimulate the respiratory drive, causing hypocapnia. Hypocapnia can be caused by nearly any pulmonary disease (e.g., pneumonia, asthma, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax).