Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) works by exposing the body to an atmosphere of 100% oxygen, in an enclosed chamber where the atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. By doing so the oxygen exposure can accelerate the healing process by allowing more oxygen to reach damaged areas. 

As the chamber is being pressurized, air presses on your eardrums and pushes them inwards. This pressure feels like the pressure that you feel in your ears when you are flying in an airplane. Most people (90%) automatically and easily adjust to thesepressure changes, while reporting no adverse effects. If you are in the 10% minority, then the only problem that you mayexperience with this is either discomfort or pain in your ears or sinuses, like that which you would feel if you were congestedwhile landing from an airplane. The only difference is that you ‘cannot tell the pilot on an airplane to stop’. In the case of HBOT, wewould encourage you to signal or radio the attendant immediately if you have discomfort in

your ears or sinuses. Don’t wait until it really hurts. The attendant will stop pressurizing and decrease the pressure until you are comfortableand able to equalize the pressure. When you’re comfortable the attendant will resume pressurizing. Our attendants are well experienced atdealing with these cases and are willing to work with you as required. Here are some techniques in helping to equalize your ears:

•  Try to swallow, yawn or drink sips of water. Turn your head to one side and swallow, then turn to the other side and swallow. Repeat if necessary.

•  The Valsalva Maneuver – Pinch your nose closed, close your mouth, and lift the front-tip of your tongue towards the roof of yourmouth. Attempt to blow through your pinched nose (short and sharp) but not too forcefully. This directs air from your throat into your ears and sinus air passages.

•  A third method combines these techniques: try swallowing and wiggling your jaw while blowing gently against your pinched nose. Now that’s coordination!

•  If you have a history of problems with the ear when flying or traveling in the mountains you may wish to use nasal decongestants before the first few treatments. With young children tilt their head back and you can put one drop of pediatric (baby) nose drops in each nostril one and a half to two hours before HBOT. Wait 5-10 min. and then put a second drop in each nostril. You can use Afrin or a similar nasal spray 20-30 minutes after the nose drops. Do not repeat the nasal spray.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is very simple, non-invasive, and safe procedure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has demonstrated excellent safetyrecords and generally is an extremely safe procedure. Serious adverse reactions are very rare, and generally not seen at lower dosages.

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATIONS

 Untreated Pneumothorax: The only absolute contraindication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an ‘untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung)’. Anyone needing to enter a hyperbaric chamber with an untreated pneumothorax needs to have a chest tube inserted and evaluated by a medical practitioner before entering a hyperbaric chamber.

MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECT/ADVERSE REACTIONS

Ear/Sinus discomfort: This occurs in about 10% of the population during the hyperbaric pressurization period. Taking extra time and making routine stops will help to reduce discomfort and is recommended as a precautionary measure for all clients undergoing HBOT.

Claustrophobia: Since you are in a closed environment, claustrophobia may occur. This is completely different from being in an MRI machine, as you can freely move around and can get out by yourself. Once the body acclimatizes to the inside environment and feels comfortable and with full control, the procedure is typically well-tolerated. If you have a problem with this condition, please let us know.

Areas of Concerns, Risks, and Relative Contraindications

•  Severe lung or heart disease: This is because we would not want fluid to build up into the lungs.

•  Uncontrolled Diabetes: This is because we do not want the blood sugars to drop too low if HBOT was combined with overdose of diabetic drug therapy.

•  History of Seizure or Uncontrolled fever: This is because we would be concerned with exacerbating seizure activity, particularly if blood sugars are low.

•  Cataracts: Though HBOT cannot cause cataracts, this procedure may cause formed cataracts to mature more quickly.

•  Pregnancy: As a precaution, HBOT is not used during pregnancy unless indicated for acute life-threatening conditions.

•  Current upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, or sinus problems: These conditions cause a higher probability of problems during pressurization and are generally recommended to be treated before going into HBOT.

Loose comfortable clothing is recommended 

Smoke and other odors on your clothes are accentuated within the confines of the pressurized chamber. We recommend avoiding smoking 1 hour before your session. Please do not use strong scented perfumes or deodorants.

Hyperbaric sessions are typically 60 minutes but can vary from 30 -120 minutes. 

The air warms as we pressurize and cools as we depressurize. Ventilation keeps the airmoving when it is warm, and blankets are available if you become cold.

Creates new blood vessels

Increases circulation

Decreases Inflammation

Alleviates temporary pain

Boosts and Protects immune function

Helps with nutrient absorption and waste removal

Improves sleep quality and duration

Helps create new stem cells

Speed up healing and recovery process from 40 up to 70% faster

Increases brain cell production and improves cognitive function