The present invention relates to a method of increasing the carbon dioxide level in a patient in by administering to the patient an inhalant that comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide and atmospheric air. The method can be used to treat a patient suffering from asthma, allergies, muscle tension, pain, insomnia, and/or mental stress. The present invention also relates to a device that may be used in a method of an inhalant that comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide and atmospheric air to a patient.