Does breathing into a small paper bag really help a person calm down if they are hyperventilating?

star_gazer

Now I am confused. Fortunately I found this web site that explained this for me: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/13/health/13real.html Jan 05 09, 10:30 PM

Baloo55th

It seems to. Preferably brown paper. I used to keep a supply of McDonalds ones on hand when I worked in the school. In theory, cupped hands would work. The idea is to increase the carbon dioxide of the air in the lungs by rebreathing. For some unaccountable reason, brown paper bags work the best. Faith healing? Probably. I don't care so long as it works. Source: many brown bags of experience. Just read starry's link. {Wrote the above bit before clicking.) Yes, you do have to know the difference between hyperventilating and asthma. Usually, the hyperventilator has done it before. Listen closely for the asthma wheeze if this is a first time, and ask if they use an inhaler before dishing out the bag. The two conditions are fairly well different in appearance. The person will usually be able to gasp out what they have (asthma) or want (brown bag). Oxygen, if available, will help the asthmatic. Don't give to hyperventilation. Basically, if you can't get the info needed - ring an ambulance, take to the doctors, whatever. If it is really life-threatening, you'll know about it. And if you suspect heart - ambulance and no arguments. The other thing with hyperventilation is to keep calm. Reassure the patient. Don't flap. They may be having a panic attack as well - flapping around just makes it worse. As always, when in doubt GET HELP from someone who does know. And if you put an arm round the patient, make sure first that there is someone else there. If you are male and the patient female, get a female to do the close-up reassuring. This is self-protection. Jan 06 09, 1:19 PM