Hyperpnea vs. Hyperventilation vs. Kussmaul's

hyperpnea:
abnormal increase in the depth and rate of breathing ... may be normal rate or >30+ breaths per minute. More commonly called tachypnea in my neck of the woods. Inhalation and exhalation usually same depth but appears force; tired haggerd appearance if long standing illness.
Can answer questions about health.
Seen in persons with COPD, Asthma, Tension Pneumothorax, head injury

Hi.

I asked three of the instructors at my school the difference between Kussmaul's and hyperventilation. One of them, who I respect, said "Kussmaul's? I've never heard of Kussmaul's." My anatomy and physiology instructor said they are pretty much the same.

The head of the program told me that Kussmaul's is marked by heavy, forced expiration. She said that during ketoacidosis, the body is trying to expel CO2. It can look like hyperventilation because for every deep expulsion of air, the patient needs to take a corresponding inspiration, but the expulsion os much more pronounced. She said during hyperventilation, the breaths are usually shallower.

I found your question because I googled "hyoerventilation vs Kussmaul's", after seeing differing and vague distinctions in my 7 textbooks! It was a direct hit, but I didn't find the answer here! It is very disconcerting to find so many different answers.

Hope this helped.