A Brief Overview of the Different Types of Medical Gases Used in the Healthcare Sector

Medical gases are some of the most used medications in the healthcare sector. Right from surgeons to dentists and nursing staff to veterinarians, medical gases are used by almost every segment of the healthcare sector. They are employed for various purposes including treatment of certain ailments, anesthesia, and even powering of certain medical tools.

Different types of medical gases

Of all the medical gases used in the healthcare and medical industry, five gases are the most commonly used. One of them is oxygen; the most important gases of all, oxygen is supplied to patients who have breathing problems, and their oxygen intake is quite low. In certain cases, oxygen is also supplied to patients who are being treated for gas poisoning and drug nebulization. Carbon dioxide is another medical gas which is used regularly in medical applications. The most common application of carbon dioxide is bacteria culture which is done in laboratories to ascertain the type of ailment or infection. Carbon dioxide is also used during laparoscopy, colonoscopy, and cataract treatment.

Apart from these direct applications, certain medical gases like nitrous oxide are used as anesthetics and analgesics. Due to this, nitrous oxide finds applications in dentistry, ambulance care, and childbirth procedures. Also, certain inert and non-toxic gases like argon and helium are used for powering medical tools like gas knives and similar surgical equipment. In some cases, pure nitrogen is also used for powering medical equipment. Pure nitrogen also finds applicability in gynecology, stomatology, ophthalmology, etc.

Market forces affecting the medical gases industry

The global medical gases market is a huge one with several growth drivers and market forces affecting the nature and scope of the industry. As per a report by Allied Market Research, the medical gases market is predicted to reach $16.7 billion by 2032 and surge ahead at a CAGR of 7% in the 2023-2032 timeframe. The rising prevalence of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infection, etc., have increased the demand for medical gases and thus helped the market to grow in the past few years.

Another important factor is the rising number of surgical procedures that are being conducted regularly across the world. The main reason behind this trend is the increased trust in invasive surgical procedures due to technological advancements in the healthcare sector. Rise in invasive surgical procedures, naturally, lead to increased demand for medical gases, thus, helping the market to flourish. A rather unique growth driver, apart from the two mentioned earlier, is the growth in awareness regarding home healthcare. This has indirectly increased the demand for medical gases, thereby pushing the growth rate of the market higher.

Furthermore, the strategic alliances among different players of the industry have been crucial for the growth of this industry. Acquisitions like those made by Atlas Copco of FS Medical Technology Business in March 2023 have increased the scope of the acquiring company and have led to expansion of the industry.

To conclude, the medical gases industry has witnessed a huge growth in its market share owing to the wide applicability of medical gases. The growth in incidence of respiratory diseases, increased prevalence of surgical procedures, and strategic alliances among key companies will further increase the growth rate of the market in the next few years.

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