What is the primary purpose of helium-oxygen therapy?

The primary purpose of helium-oxygen therapy, often referred to as heliox therapy, is to reduce airway resistance. Helium is a light gas that, when combined with oxygen, can help improve airflow in patients with respiratory conditions that cause obstruction, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or upper airway obstruction.

Because helium is less dense than oxygen, breathing a mixture of helium and oxygen allows for easier passage of gas through narrowed airways, leading to reduced work of breathing and improved ventilation. This therapeutic approach can help alleviate respiratory distress and improve overall gas exchange in the lungs, making it particularly beneficial in emergencies where airway resistance is a significant issue.

While other options represent important concepts in respiratory care, they do not capture the specific and primary therapeutic aim of heliox therapy, which focuses on the physical properties of the gas mixture and its effect on airflow dynamics in the respiratory system.