Helium
Helium Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Helium is a second most abundant chemical element in the universe with symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, inert, monatomic gas located at the top of the noble gases on the periodic table. Its boiling and melting points are the lowest among all the elements. Its clinical benefit in inhalation therapy arises from its advantageous physical properties than ambient air. Helium has lower density than air and generates less resistance than to provide improved lung ventilation. It is also used as an analytical reagent in diagnostic/imaging tests to detect respiratory function of the patient.
Helium provides lung ventilation and prevents narrowing or collapse in respiratory units. It increases the tendency to laminar flow and reduces the resistance in turbulent flow, leading to more efficient penetration of gases to the distal alveoli, higher minute volumes and improved ventilation.
| Trade Name | Helium |
| Generic | Helium |
| Helium Other Names | [He], atomic helium, Helium |
| Type | |
| Formula | He |
| Weight | Average: 4.0026 Monoisotopic: 4.00260325 |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational, Vet approved |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Helium is a gas used for medical conditions where there is a need for increased oxygen intake, such as upper airway obstruction in asthma and COPD.
For use in patients who are not getting enough oxygen into their blood due to blockages in the lungs from pathological conditions or injuries. Suggested potential benefit in upper airway obstruction, in severe asthma, and in exacerbations of COPD/COLD. Helium may be used in place of carbon monoxide during laparoscopic surgeries as it lowers the risk of developing respiratory acidosis in selected patients.
Helium is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Increased upper airway resistance, Upper Airway Obstruction
How Helium works
Due to its lower density, helium achieves more effective flow of gas due to lowered resistance to gas flow within the airways and reduces the work of breathing by decreasing the pressure gradient needed to achieve a turbulent flow . Helium has a higher diffusion coefficient for carbon dioxide relative to oxygen thus promotes exhalation of trapped carbon dioxide. This reduces hypercapnia and normalizes pH. Helium increases the coronary collateral circulation and enhances the vasodilatory effects of inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary vessels. It is suggested to possess neuroprotective properties. Cardioprotective effects against ischemia are mediated through early and late preconditioning by exposing the myocardial tissues to short ischemic episodes. Studies show that helium is associated with activation of pro-survival signalling kinases and inhibition of the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP).
Toxicity
Little evidence of toxic effects from helium therapy in clinical settings. Due to high thermal conductivity, may cause hypothermia in case of prolonged administration.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Half Life
0.8 seconds
Elimination Route
Respiration
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Helium
