Common Questions About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

There are several common questions about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We’ll answer them for you here. 

What Is a Hyperbaric Chamber? 

A hyperbaric chamber is a vessel that fully encloses the human body.  The air pressure is increased to allow your lungs to dissolve much more oxygen in your blood than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure outside the chamber. The oxygen is delivered to the patient through a mask or a hood. 

What Does Oxygen Do for the Body?

Oxygen is an integral part of the equation where our body burns fat, sugar, and protein to produce the energy that drives all body functions and keeps us alive. Your cells need oxygen to make energy. Your body’s tissues require an adequate amount of oxygen to function. Your lungs allow oxygen to be dissolved from the air you breathe directly into your blood. When you are in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, the increased air pressure helps your lungs move more oxygen in your blood. When your blood carries this extra oxygen throughout your body, it helps fight bacteria and stimulates growth factors and stem cells which promotes healing. 

What Are the Side Effects of Oxygen Therapy? 

The side effects of oxygen therapy are minimal. The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. To minimize this risk, patients learn techniques to promote the adequate clearing of the ears during compression. In extremely rare circumstances, when all available techniques do not allow a patient to clear their ears, tubes can be inserted in the patient’s ears. Occasionally, some patients might experience changes in their vision during the treatment period, but this is usually only with high pressures of oxygen and long durations of treatment.  When they occur, these changes are usually mild and temporary if the HBOT is discontinued or other accommodations are made. An extremely rare side effect is oxygen toxicity, which is caused by administering too much oxygen.  

What Medical Conditions Does HBOT Help Treat? 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can possibly be used for any condition that involves injury, wounding, loss of blood supply, or inflammation.

Disclaimer

While studies support the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy when used to help treat various medical conditions, individual results may vary. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, including all risks & benefits, and only a doctor can assess if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is appropriate for your situation. In the United States, hyperbaric chambers are a class two medical device & require a medical prescription for use.