Heliox and vocal cord dysfunction

Q: Heliox may make vocal cord dysfunction worse (select one)

A) True
B) False


Answer: B

Use of Heliox is well known in compromised large airways, but use of Heliox can also be very beneficial in vocal cord dysfunction. Efficacy is again due to increased tendency to laminar flow and reduced resistance in turbulent flow. 



References: 

Weir M. Vocal cord dysfunction mimics asthma and may respond to heliox. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2002;41(1):37–41. 

Berkenbosch JW, Grueber RE, Graff GR, Tobias JD. Patterns of heliumoxygen (heliox) usage in the critical care environment. J Intensive Care Med. 2004;19(6):335–344.