Local doctor warns against inhaling helium

A Decorah doctor is warning about the effects of inhaling helium in the wake of the death of a young Oregon woman.

Mayo Clinic Health System emergency medicine physician Dr. Kent Svestka says, "We all know that there is a risk of illness or death when you put an unknown substance into your body.  In this case, however, it was not the helium that caused her death, but the blast of pressure from the helium tank.  Imagine the speed in which a helium balloon inflates – that same pressure filled her lungs." 

The force of the pressurized tank causes the gas - in this case, helium - to enter the blood vessels and create air bubbles, called air embolism.  When the air pockets or bubbles reach the heart or brain, they cause heart attack or stoke, which is the cause of death.

Although the harm in this specific case came from pressure in the tank, Dr. Svestka reminds the public that no gases, including helium, should be inhaled.  "Helium replaces the oxygen in your body.  When someone releases helium from a balloon into their body, he or she is depriving the body of oxygen."  Other common substances can harm the body as well.  Dr. Svestka says, "Many products on the shelves today have toxic fumes.  No one of any age should inhale fumes or gases, and it is our job as parents, teachers, friends, and concerned community members to educate and protect our youth against these harmful practices."