The amount of oxygen released from haemoglobin is determined by carbon dioxide levels. This is known as the Bohr effect and basically means that the more you breathe, the less oxygen your body is actually able to use. Carbon dioxide regulates the activity of the autonomic nervous system. If carbon dioxide is low, it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system putting the body on red alert. This causes erratic, breathing.
Carbon dioxide regulates smooth muscle or the involuntary muscle of the airways, blood vessels etc.
Low levels of carbon dioxide cause smooth muscle to constrict and spasm. Low levels of carbon dioxide cause respiratory alkalosis and the body produces lactic acid to counteract this. The goal of the respiratory centre is to maintain and regulate our breathing so that blood carbon dioxide levels are normal and our pH levels are normal. However, hyperventilation interferes with this balance. All rights reserved.