Oxygen Helium Mixture 20/80

What is this medication?

Oxygen Helium Mixture 20/80, frequently known by the name Heliox, is a specialized medical gas consisting of twenty percent oxygen and eighty percent helium. This prescription medication is used to treat patients experiencing severe respiratory distress caused by narrowed or obstructed airways. It is most commonly employed in hospital settings to manage conditions such as acute asthma attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various forms of upper airway obstructions that make normal breathing difficult.

The therapeutic effect of this mixture is derived from the low density of helium compared to the nitrogen found in regular air. Because helium is much lighter, the gas mixture can travel through constricted respiratory passages with less turbulence and resistance. This decrease in airway resistance reduces the overall work of breathing for the patient and allows oxygen to reach the lungs more efficiently. It is typically administered through a mask or a mechanical ventilator under the direct supervision of healthcare professionals.