Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is a therapy used to increase the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and the body’s ability to deliver it to cells. Hyperbaric therapy is performed in a chamber pressurized to three times that of normal sea level and filled with pure oxygen. The high pressure enables the blood to more efficiently deliver the excess oxygen to cells throughout the body to promote healing through increased stimulation of growth factor and stem cells. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively treats infections, non-healing wounds, some blood vessel conditions, and decompression sickness.
Conditions That Benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Anemia, severe
- Brain abscess
- Bubbles of air in your blood vessels (arterial gas embolism)
- Burn
- Decompression sickness
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Crushing injury
- Gangrene
- Infection of skin or bone
- Diabetic ulcers
- Radiation injury
- Skin graft or skin flap at risk of tissue death
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Are there any risks associated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is considered very safe, but with every medical procedure, occasionally issues may arise.
- Temporary nearsightedness (myopia) caused by temporary eye lens changes
- Middle ear injuries, including leaking fluid and eardrum rupture, due to increased air pressure
- Lung collapse caused by air pressure changes (barotrauma)
- Seizures as a result of too much oxygen (oxygen toxicity) in your central nervous system
How do I prepare for hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric therapy is an outpatient procedure that does not require hospitalization. Due to the oxygen-rich environment, you cannot have any skin or hair products that contain petroleum, as a safety precaution against fire. Eat a light meal or snack an hour before the therapy starts.
How long is a hyperbaric therapy session?
Hyperbaric Therapy Sessions generally last about 2 hours.
Can I eat before my hyperbaric therapy session?
Yes, it is recommended that you eat 1-2 hours prior to your therapy session. If you have diabetes your blood sugar levels will be checked prior to and directly after your therapy session.
What should I wear to my hyperbaric oxygen therapy session?
Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing with cotton socks.