Helium
Helium is a noble gas used medically primarily as a component of Heliox (helium-oxygen mixture) to treat respiratory conditions. Due to its low density, it flows more easily through narrowed airways than air, making breathing easier for patients with obstructive airway diseases or upper airway obstructions. It is also used in medical imaging, particularly to cool superconducting magnets in MRI machines.
Helium is a medical gas used to assist breathing in patients with airway obstructions and to cool MRI equipment.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V03AN03
- RxNorm
- 5140
- Generic
- Helium
- Class
- atc-v03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of upper and lower airway obstructions, severe asthma exacerbations, COPD exacerbations, laryngeal stridor, and post-operative airway edema. Also used in diagnostic imaging (MRI) for magnet cooling.
Helium is approximately seven times less dense than nitrogen, which makes helium-oxygen mixtures flow more laminar and with less resistance through narrowed or obstructed airways compared to air-oxygen mixtures, reducing the work of breathing.
Must be administered under medical supervision as part of a controlled helium-oxygen mixture. Prolonged inhalation may displace oxygen and cause hypoxia. Not a substitute for oxygen therapy. Storage and handling requires specialized equipment due to helium's physical properties.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy