Final answer:
Heliox therapy is indicated for patients with respiratory difficulties, and its concentrations and flow are tailored to individual needs. Divers utilize a mix of 79% helium and 21% oxygen to avoid nitrogen narcosis at depth. In medical settings, delivery methods include face masks, nasal cannulas, and hyperbaric chambers, with treatments based on gas behavior under pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Helium/oxygen therapy, commonly known as Heliox, is administered in various medical conditions. One significant indication of Heliox is for patients with breathing problems, as it helps in reducing the work of breathing. Heliox is often used in conditions that cause airway obstruction, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiolitis, because helium, being less dense than air, allows for smoother airflow.
To determine the acceptable concentrations of Heliox, it depends on the condition being treated. For example, professional divers sometimes use a mixture of 79% helium and 21% oxygen to avoid nitrogen narcosis. In medical settings, the specific concentration varies but typically has a higher proportion of oxygen than in the normal atmosphere.
The actual flow of Heliox also varies with the clinical situation and patient need. It is delivered via specialized equipment, typically via a face mask or nasal cannula, which is calibrated to deliver the gas mixture accurately. Advanced therapy systems may include the use of a hyperbaric chamber, where patients are exposed to high pressure that could be up to 3 atm or more.
In situations like deep-sea diving, understanding the behavior of gases under pressure is crucial. Heliox is advantageous because helium does not act as a narcotic under high pressures, contrary to nitrogen, hence its common use among professional divers. Additionally, hyperbaric treatments involving oxygen-rich environments also leverage the properties of gases to treat a range of medical conditions from infections to carbon monoxide poisoning.