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

Abstract

The invention relates to methods 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. The capnic solution may also be sprayed onto mucous membranes such as the nose for relief of symptoms such as allergic rhinitis.

1 . A method for transcutaneous delivery of carbon dioxide to an individual comprising the steps of:
 Selecting a portion of the individual's skin; and   Applying a quantity of carbonated water to the selected portion of the individual's skin.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applying step further comprises submerging the selected portion of the individual's skin in the carbonated water. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applying step further comprises the steps of:
 Placing a selected quantity of carbonated water in a container that defines an opening, said opening adapted to be sealed against the selected portion of the individual's skin; and   Placing the opening over the selected portion of the individual's skin and orienting the container such that the carbonated water contacts the selected portion of the individual's skin.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applying step further comprises submerging the selected portion of the individual's skin in the carbonated water for at least three minutes. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the applying step further comprises applying the carbonated water to the selected portion of the individual's skin for at least three minutes. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the container is large enough to receive substantially all of the individual's body, and wherein the selected portion of the individual's skin comprises substantially all of the individual's transcutaneous skin surface, and the applying step further comprises:
 Submerging the selected portion of the individual's skin in the carbonated water.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the applying step further comprises, submerging the selected portion of the individual's skin for at least three minutes. 
   
   
       8 . A method for transcutaneous delivery of carbon dioxide as in  claim 1  wherein the selecting step further comprises:
 selecting a portion of skin adjacent to an area of the individual's body that is experiencing pain.   
   
   
       9 . A method for transcutaneous delivery of carbon dioxide as in  claim 1  wherein the applying step further comprises:
 Placing a selected quantity of carbonated water in an absorbent material; and   Placing the absorbent material against the selected portion of the individual's skin.   
   
   
       10 . A method for transcutaneous delivery of carbon dioxide as in  claim 9  wherein the applying step further comprises placing the absorbent material against the selected portion of the individual's skin for at least three minutes. 
   
   
       11 . A method for transcutaneous delivery of carbon dioxide as in  claim 1  wherein the portion of the individual's skin further comprises a mucous membrane. 
   
   
       12 . A method for transcutaneous delivery of carbon dioxide as in  claim 8  further comprising placing carbonated water into a container from which a spray of carbonated water may be generated; and the applying step further comprises spraying a quantity of carbonated water on the selected portion of the individual's skin. 
   
   
       13 . A method for transcutaneous delivery of carbon dioxide as in  claim 11  further comprising placing carbonated water into a container from which a spray of carbonated water may be generated; and the applying step further comprises spraying a quantity of carbonated water on the mucous membrane.