Inhalation of Heliox as a Potential Treatment for the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by Covid-19
Abstract
Juan Ma, Yuan Shi, Qing Mao, Hui-min Liu
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a global pandemic It presents as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to COVID-19 infection. Despite the widespread use of symptomatic, antiviral, and supportive treatment, the daily death toll from COVID-19 is still rising. The most common lethal complication is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mechanical ventilation is one of the necessary support methods of treating ARDS. Heliox (Heliumoxygen mixture) inhalation can reduce respiratory work of breathing, improve oxygenation, improve lung compliance, and effectively optimize the treatment of ARDS. Heliox also has potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardiac effects, and could reduce the inflammatory storm caused by SARS-CoV-2. This article reviews the properties of heliox, the therapeutic mechanism for ARDS, and the effects of heliox on inflammation, nerves, and the heart. Conclusion we suggests that heliox is a potential treatment for COVID-19.