Transcutaneous infusion of carbon dioxide for local relief of pain and other ailments

Abstract

The invention relates to devices for transcutaneous and transmucosal application of carbon dioxide in the form of a gas and in the form of a capnic solution (such as carbonated water) for the relief of pain, including musculoskeletal disorders, neuralgias, rhinitis and other ailments. Gaseous carbon dioxide is applied to the skin for at least three minutes, and the capnic solution may be held on the skin for at least three minutes, which provides relief of symptoms.

1 . A device for transcutaneous application of carbon dioxide comprising: 
 A container adapted for removable application to a subject's skin, to form a pocket between the subject's skin and the sheet;    An activatable source of carbon dioxide, adapted to be placed inside the pocket;    Whereby, when activated, the source of carbon dioxide releases carbon dioxide into the pocket to deliver a dose of carbon dioxide to the subject's skin.    
   
   
       2 . The device set forth in  claim 1  wherein the container comprises a gas impermeable sheet defining a perimeter and further comprises an adhesive placed around the perimeter adapted for removable application to the subject's skin.  
   
   
       3 . A device as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 A vent in the container.    
   
   
       4 . A device as set forth in  claim 2  further comprising: 
 A vent in the sheet.    
   
   
       5 . A device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the activatable source of carbon dioxide comprises an agent that generates the gas by a chemical reaction.  
   
   
       6 . A device as set forth in  claim 5  further comprising a porous envelope inside the gas and liquid impermeable envelope that contains the agent.  
   
   
       7 . A device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the activatable source of carbon dioxide comprises a small cylinder containing the gaseous agent attached to the container, in operable communication with the pocket and adapted to release carbon dioxide into the pocket.  
   
   
       8 . A device as set forth in  claim 7  further comprising: 
 A vent in the container.