What condition is carbon dioxide (CO2) used to treat?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used to treat singultus, which is another term for hiccups. The reason CO2 can be effective in this condition relates to its ability to stimulate the diaphragm, the muscle involved in the breathing process. By introducing carbon dioxide into the system, it can provoke a reaction that helps reset the diaphragm, potentially alleviating hiccups.

In contrast, asthma primarily involves airway inflammation and constriction, which is typically treated with bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications rather than CO2. Sneezing, often caused by allergies or irritants, does not have a link to CO2 treatment; rather, it is managed through antihistamines or avoiding triggers. Coughing, like sneezing, results from irritation or infection and is typically treated with appropriate medications based on the underlying cause, rather than with carbon dioxide. Therefore, singultus is indeed the condition where carbon dioxide demonstrates a specific therapeutic role.