What happens if you inhale helium from a balloon? The doctor told about the effects and consequences

therapist, family physician of the BC Digital Clinic

“The voice-altering effect of helium inhalation is due to the different speed of propagation of sound waves in the substance compared to air. They move faster in the gas. This affects the resonance properties of the vocal cords, changing the timbre and pitch of the sound, which is often used to create a comic effect. This action is completely safe and temporary. But there are certain nuances.”

What is helium?

Helium is an inert one-atom gas. It is colorless, tasteless, odorless and contains no toxins. It is formed from hydrogen as a result of thermonuclear fusion, which occurs in the interior of stars. It is extracted from natural gas by fractional distillation (low-temperature separation).

Its properties allow the substance to be used in completely different applications:

• as an additive to hydrogen to fill the shell of an airship;
• in breathing mixtures for divers;
• in metallurgy for smelting pure metals;
• in industry as a packaging gas;
• in medicines to relieve asthma symptoms;
• to cool nuclear reactors.

These are only a small fraction of its uses. However, many people know that balloons are also filled with it. They are the decoration of any celebration.

Types of helium

Helium comes in two types: medical and technical. The first has a high degree of purity. This is important for use in medical purposes. It is worth noting that it is strictly controlled and undergoes special purification from impurities, which makes it safe for use in specialized institutions.

The second option may contain impurities such as nitrogen and other inert gases. In medical practice, this is undesirable. Depending on the specific composition, the safety of its use varies.

The unpurified chemical element may be less suitable for medical procedures. Balloons just use the technical kind.

Can helium cause narcotic effects?

Helium itself has no narcotic effects on the body. When people inhale this substance, the change in voice caused by the change in acoustic properties of the gas may give the impression of lightness or comic effect. But this is not associated with a narcotic effect.

Is helium harmful to humans?

Safety should always be a priority. Inhaling helium for entertainment or comic effect is strongly discouraged. Any experimentation with inhalation of the gas should be done with caution and under supervision. For medical purposes, the use of helium should be supervised by qualified professionals.

Helium from balloons designed to be inflated is not dangerous to humans when inhaled in small quantities for short periods of time. However, it should not be abused. If you inhale helium from a balloon in an enclosed space where there is no fresh air, it can lead to oxygen deprivation, potentially harmful to your health.

Contraindications

Especially children and those who have pathologies of the respiratory system and problems with the vocal cords need to be careful. It is categorically forbidden to do it to pregnant and lactating women.

In addition, it is important to know that when inhaling helium from a balloon, you also inhale talcum powder. All latex products are treated with it. This is done to avoid sticking together.

It is also important to observe safety measures at festivals where there are pressurized cylinders. These containers are filled with helium, it is categorically not to be misused. They contain more of the substance than a balloon. In addition, they release the gas with much greater force. This can cause gas or air embolism (rupture of blood vessels due to air bubbles).

Symptoms of hypoxia

Symptoms of hypoxia may include:

• labored or rapid breathing;
• lividity (cyanosis) of the skin or mucous membranes;
• feelings of restlessness;
• fatigue;
• tiredness;
• drowsiness;
• weakness;
• tremors in the hands and feet;
• blurred vision, decreased concentration;
• difficulty sleeping.

Precautions and first aid

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should stop breathing helium immediately. If possible, get fresh air or open a window. Breathe deeply and slowly for a few minutes.

In case of prolonged hypoxia, dizziness, headache, nausea and even loss of consciousness may occur. In case of clinical signs, one should immediately seek medical help.

If a person has lost consciousness, it is worth immediately calling an ambulance. While she is on her way, it is necessary to provide the victim with access to oxygen:

• undo the top buttons of clothing;
• give a sniff of ammonia;
• splash cool water on the face;
• open a window.

Remember that the human brain is able to work qualitatively without oxygen only for six seconds. Do not exceed this time.