Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Enquire Now

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows the body to absorb more oxygen, which can help to improve wound healing, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria.

HBOT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including:

Decompression sickness: This condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the blood and tissues after scuba diving. HBOT can help to dissolve these bubbles and relieve symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling.
Chronic wounds: HBOT can help to improve blood flow to the affected area and promote the growth of new tissue, which can help to heal chronic wounds that have not responded to other treatments.
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection: This infection is caused by a bacteria that can damage the lining of the colon. HBOT can help to kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation, which can help to improve symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Traumatic brain injury: HBOT can help to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation, which can help to improve symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): This condition occurs when the arteries in the legs become narrowed, which can reduce blood flow to the legs. HBOT can help to improve blood flow and reduce pain.

HBOT is generally safe, but it can cause some side effects, such as ear pain, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.

Preparation for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Before undergoing HBOT, there are several steps that you will need to take to ensure your safety and optimize the treatment process.

Talk to your doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your specific condition, age, and overall health to determine the duration and number of therapy sessions required. It is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking and any medical implant devices you have, as certain devices, particularly older pacemakers, may not function properly in a hyperbaric environment. Your doctor will also discuss potential side effects associated with the therapy.
Remove any metal objects or electronic devices. During HBOT, you will be in a pressurized chamber. To prevent sparks that could potentially cause a fire, you will need to remove any metal objects or electronic devices from your body before entering the chamber. The only item you may bring into the chamber is a small bottle of water.
Change into a hospital gown. You will be provided with a hospital gown to change into before entering the hyperbaric chamber. This is to ensure that you are comfortable and that your clothing does not restrict your movement.
Use the restroom. HBOT sessions typically last between one and two hours. It is advisable to use the restroom before entering the chamber to avoid having to use it during your treatment.

Once you have taken these steps, you will be ready to begin your HBOT treatment.

What occurs during hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

During HBOT, you will either sit or lie down inside a specialized chamber designed for this purpose. There are different types of hyperbaric chambers, including monoplace chambers that treat one person at a time and multiplace chambers that can accommodate multiple individuals.

In a monoplace chamber, you will lie on a table that slides into the chamber, where you will remain throughout the treatment. If a multiplace chamber is used, you will receive oxygen through a specialized mask or a lightweight, transparent oxygen hood.

Once the hyperbaric chamber’s door is closed, the pressure inside the chamber will gradually increase. You may experience a sensation of clogged ears or popping, similar to what you might feel during air travel or changes in altitude.

If you are in a monoplace chamber, you can pass the time by watching television, movies, or listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. If you are in a multiplace chamber, you may have the option to engage in activities such as playing card games, reading books, or magazines.

A technician will be present in the room throughout the procedure to address any concerns or questions you may have. They will also monitor your condition and overall well-being. During the treatment, you may be given short breaks to breathe regular air.

What occurs after Hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

After the HBOT session, the pressure inside the chamber will gradually decrease. This allows your body to adjust to the normal pressure outside. Your healthcare provider will then assist you in exiting the chamber or removing your mask or hood. They will then conduct a thorough examination of your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and check your ears. For individuals with diabetes, a blood sugar (glucose) test may be performed.

Once your healthcare provider determines that you no longer require monitoring, you can change back into your regular clothing and prepare to leave. It is common to feel a sense of drowsiness after HBOT. While it is not mandatory to have someone accompany you, it may be a good idea to have a family member or friend drive you home.

What are the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Here are some of the benefits of HBOT:

Improved athletic performance: HBOT has been shown to improve athletic performance in people with conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and anemia.
Wound healing: HBOT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, and necrotizing fasciitis. In a study of people with diabetic ulcers, HBOT was shown to reduce the healing time by up to 50%.
Inflammation: HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation in a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In a study of people with rheumatoid arthritis, HBOT was shown to reduce the levels of inflammatory markers by up to 50%.
Bacteria: HBOT has been shown to kill bacteria in a variety of conditions, including infections of the skin, soft tissues, and bones. In a study of people with infections of the skin, HBOT was shown to kill the bacteria in up to 90% of cases.
Cognitive function: HBOT has been shown to improve cognitive function in people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In a study of people with Alzheimer’s disease, HBOT was shown to improve memory and thinking skills by up to 20%.
Stroke: HBOT has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke in people with conditions such as sickle cell anemia and carbon monoxide poisoning. In a study of people with sickle cell anemia, HBOT was shown to reduce the risk of stroke by up to 50%.
Athletic performance: HBOT has been shown to improve athletic performance in people with conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and anemia. In a study of people with chronic fatigue syndrome, HBOT was shown to improve exercise capacity by up to 30%.

HBOT is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. If you are considering HBOT, talk to your doctor to learn more about the benefits and risks.

Potential Risks or Complications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

While HBOT is generally safe, it can cause some side effects and complications. These include:

Claustrophobia: Some people may feel anxious or claustrophobic in the small, enclosed space of a hyperbaric chamber. This can be abated by taking a mild sedative or by using a multiplace chamber, which can accommodate multiple people.
Sinus congestion: The increased pressure in a hyperbaric chamber can also cause sinus congestion, runny nose, or postnasal drip.
Temporary nearsightedness: Some people, particularly those over 65 or with diabetes, may experience temporary nearsightedness after receiving at least 20 daily treatments. This is due to the increased pressure changing the shape of the eye. The nearsightedness usually resolves within a few weeks.
Seizures: Seizures are a rare complication of HBOT. Symptoms include convulsions, sensory disturbances, and fainting.

If you are considering HBOT, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Here are some additional tips for reducing the risk of complications from HBOT:

Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially ear problems or seizures.
If you feel anxious or claustrophobic, tell your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax during treatment.
Drink plenty of fluids before and after treatment. This will help to flush out toxins and reduce the risk of side effects.
Avoid smoking and alcohol before and after treatment. Smoking and alcohol can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of side effects.

If you experience any side effects from HBOT, tell your doctor immediately.

Expected Downtime After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

After a session of HBOT, you can usually resume your normal daily activities without any significant downtime. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as ear pain, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few hours.

If you experience any side effects from HBOT, it is important to tell your doctor. They may be able to provide you with medication or other treatment to help relieve the symptoms.

It is important to complete the full course of HBOT as prescribed by your doctor. This will help you to achieve the best possible results from treatment.

+91-8008745871

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Enquire Now