If CO2 is a waste product then why do we need to rebreathe it?

Question

In times of hyperventilation. They said that we need to breathe in and out of a brown paper bag in order to rebreathe carbon dioxide? what does CO2 has o do with normalizing the respiration if infact it is needed to be exhaled coz it's a waste product? quite confused sorry!

Answer 1

Acid base balance

The fluids of the body, especially the blood must keep a balance between being acid or base (alkaline).

Respiration is driven by the presence of CO2, not by the lack of 02

With every breath we take in and out we cause the balance to go slightly one direction and then slightly in the other direction.

This is normal, and our bodies can adjust to this well.

For internal respiration to work at the cellular level, O2 needs to be brought to the cells and exchanged for C02.

That keeps the exchange rate level, so that we get rid of waste while at the same time we take in nutrient (which will later be broken down into waste.

However, when we "hyper-ventilate" we start blowing off too much c02 and increasing the retention of O2.

You breath in and out from the paper bag to start sending more CO2 back into the body until it is again in balance.

This balance is very important, and can cause death if allowed to continue untreated.

Answer 2

Low levels of carbon dioxide directly stimulate the respiratory center. Hyperventilation causes respiratory alkalosis. Carbon dioxide corrects it.

Answer 3

we need to have a certain level in our system

but when that level is too low - we hyperventilate - trying to get more in (wow does that make sense - but it works)

that's why you need a bag - to re-breathe the co2 and build the level

all the best

Answer 4

When we hyperventilate the intake of oxygen becomes greater than the release of CO2, with this our blood becomes alkalinic. Acid base balance must be maintained. We rebrethe the co2 to maintain homeostasis.