Oxygen Therapy 101: What Is Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment?

Have you ever heard of hyperbaric chamber treatment?

It’s a type of oxygen therapy that’s used for several conditions. It’s been around since the 1900s, but not many people are aware of its existence or benefits.

If you’re interested in trying out hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we’re here to talk about it. Keep reading to

How Does Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment Work?

During treatment, patients will rest in an enclosed tube or hyperbaric chamber. They’ll breathe air inside the chamber as the air pressure increases.

This should increase the amount of oxygen that gets into the bloodstream. When your blood is rich with oxygen, your body has an easier time healing and you should have a stronger immune response.

Poor circulation results in slow healing, fatigue, and overall sluggishness (among other things). HBOT may be able to help.

What Can It Treat?

At one point, doctors used HBOT almost exclusively to treat “the bends” or decompression sickness in scuba divers. Now, doctors are finding many uses for this treatment.

Certain types of poisoning, like carbon monoxide poisoning and cyanide poisoning, benefit from the increased circulation that HBOT provides. Abscesses, infections, and injuries that refuse to heal are also treatable with hyperbaric chamber treatment.

It may be helpful for HIV, recovery from surgery, traumatic brain injuries, depression, and a variety of other conditions that researchers are still testing.

If you think that HBOT might work for you, talk to a medical professional to see if there’s any promising research on your condition as it relates to the treatment.

Are There Side Effects?

While hyperbaric chamber treatment is a safe process, there are some side effects. Many of these side effects are more serious if you have a contraindication. These include:

• Respiratory conditions
• Fevers
• Claustrophobia
• Recent ear surgeries

Talk to a doctor before starting treatment to determine if you have any contraindications.

Side effects of HBOT are almost always mild. Mild side effects include:

• Ear popping
• Temporary vision changes
• Fluid buildup in the ears

Serious side effects include:

• Ear ruptures
• Lung collapse
• Oxygen poisoning

How to Prepare

Once you and your doctor determine that HBOT is right for you, start preparing for your sessions. Sessions last for up to 2 hours and you will need multiple sessions.

If you smoke, quit smoking beforehand to get the best results. You should also avoid alcohol and soda on the day of your treatment.

Avoid any perfumes and make sure that you’re clean before it’s time for treatment. Make sure that you answer any questions that your doctor asks as honestly as possible before you start. This will keep you safe from potential problems.

Is HBOT Right for You?

While hyperbaric chamber treatment is uncommon, it may be the perfect solution for your situation. If you think that you’d benefit from increased circulation and oxygen in your blood, talk to a doctor about HBOT today.

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