The image of a patient breathing into a brown paper bag is a quite familiar one in popular culture. Although this is not recommended, it has been used by some patients to relieve the symptoms of hyperventilation. Hyperventilation syndrome (sometimes known as ‘dysfunctional breathing’) is defined as chronic or intermittent episodes of hyperventilation with associated somatic symptoms. There are many possible symptoms, but they generally include anxiety, paraesthesia and a further sensation of breathlessness. It should be a diagnosis of exclusion, as other conditions causing similar symptoms can be life-threatening.
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