Helium –oxygen mixture for treatment in upper airway obstruction; a mini-review

In conclusion, the physiochemical properties promoting laminar flow in restricted airways and the sparse but still seemingly positive clinical experience favor the use of helium–oxygen mixture as a symptomatic rescue therapy. The risk for side effects, apart from the reduced oxygen concentration in the inspired gas, seems minor. There is, however, still a lack of evidence to support the general use of oxygen–helium mixture for upper airway compromise due to the sparse information available. Further studies, although not easily designed, are warranted.
Source: Journal of Acute Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research