the original traditional treatment of breathing into a paper bag to control psychologically based hyperventilation syndrome (which is now almost universally known and often shown in movies and tv dramas) was invented by new york city physician (later radiologist), alexander winter, m.d. [1908-1978], based on his experiences in the u.s. army medical corps during world war ii and published in the journal of the american medical association in 1951. because other medical conditions can be confused with hyperventilation, namely asthma and heart attacks, most medical studies advise against using a paper bag since these conditions worsen when co levels increase.