Hyperventilation syndrome. Bridging the behavioral-organic gap.

Hyperventilation syndrome is frustrating to patient and physician alike. This common condition can be managed successfully if the primary care physician understands the pathophysiology of symptoms and takes a persistent, supportive approach to the patient. Invasive testing and psychiatric referral are less effective and more costly than an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician. Positive results are most likely to derive from frequent office visits marked by reassurance and repetition of instructions on how to cope with anxiety and its attendant symptoms.