Gastherapie

Gastherapie, or gas therapy, refers to the medical use of gases or gas mixtures to treat disease, relieve symptoms, or support physiological function. It covers both essential life-support measures and targeted pharmacologic or therapeutic applications, delivered through devices that control concentration, flow, pressure, and duration.

Oxygen therapy is the most common form, used to treat hypoxemia in conditions such as chronic lung disease, pneumonia, heart failure, and after surgery. Administration methods include nasal cannulas, face masks, high-flow systems, and ventilators. While oxygen is essential, therapy must be carefully titrated to avoid oxygen toxicity or CO2 retention in susceptible patients.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves delivering near-pure oxygen under increased ambient pressure in a specialized chamber. It is indicated for decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, certain gas gangrene infections, and selected non-healing wounds or radiation injuries. Treatment protocols are precise, and risks include barotrauma and oxygen-related side effects.

Inhaled pharmacologic gases, notably nitric oxide, are used to manage pulmonary hypertension and select respiratory failures by causing selective pulmonary vasodilation. Heliox, a helium-oxygen mixture, can reduce airway resistance in obstructive diseases and aid certain difficult-ventilation scenarios, though evidence for routine use varies.

Safety and regulation are essential in gas therapy. Proper monitoring of gas concentrations, flow, humidity, and pressure, as well as awareness of fire hazards and contraindications, are critical. Training and equipment standards ensure effective and safe delivery across diverse clinical settings.