Evidence supporting the use of: Carbon Dioxide
For the health condition: Raynaud's Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Carbon dioxide (CO2) therapy, also known as carboxytherapy, has been explored as a treatment for Raynaud's Disease primarily due to its vasodilatory properties. In Raynaud's Disease, vasospasm of small arteries reduces blood flow to extremities, leading to pain and color changes. CO2 therapy involves transcutaneous or subcutaneous administration of carbon dioxide, which is thought to induce local vasodilation and improve microcirculation, possibly by the Bohr effect (increased CO2 leads to local acidosis and vascular relaxation).
Several small clinical studies and pilot trials, mainly conducted in Europe, have reported short-term improvements in microcirculatory parameters and symptom relief in Raynaud's patients treated with localized CO2 therapy. For example, some studies have demonstrated increased blood perfusion and temperature in affected digits following CO2 exposure. However, these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes, lack of long-term follow-up, and methodological weaknesses such as absence of placebo controls.
Systematic reviews and large randomized controlled trials are lacking, so while there is scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting the use of CO2 in Raynaud's Disease, the overall evidence level is low to moderate (rated 2/5). More rigorous studies are needed before CO2 therapy can be considered a standard or widely recommended treatment for Raynaud’s Disease.
Other health conditions supported by Carbon Dioxide
Circulation (poor)Circulation (to the brain)
Raynaud's Disease
Varicose Veins