Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The Most Commonly Asked Questions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been around for decades but it has been rising in popularity due to its effectiveness in healing wounds.
Many people choose to undergo this type of therapy to treat damaged tissue in a pain-free way. Continue following along as we answer some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a patient lies in a pressurized chamber to breathe pure oxygen. This is a comfortable process that can greatly increase the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. If there are parts of the body that are not receiving enough oxygen, this treatment is used to help it penetrate up to three times deeper into damaged tissues.
What to Expect
When you begin HBOT, you will lie down on a table and be placed into a see-through plastic chamber. During the session, the air pressure in the chamber increases two to three times that of normal air pressure. This increased pressure can create a short-term compressed feeling in your ears. You can relieve that feeling by yawning or swallowing.
When you have completed the process, the therapist will check your vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate. Once everything has normalized, you are free to leave and resume any routine activities.
How Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is very effective at healing certain ailments. The immersion of pure oxygen can help those suffering from a variety of conditions, including:
- Necrotizing fasciitis
- Osteomyelitis
- Certain non-healing wounds
- Burns
- Sudden vision loss
- Crushing injury
- Gangrene
- Arterial gas embolism
- Anemia
- Decompression sickness
- Radiation injury
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Cyanide Poisoning
- Compromised skin grafts.
- Brain abscess
- Compartment Syndrome
- Sudden deafness
What Are the Benefits of HBOT?
HBOT was originally used in the military to treat decompression sickness in deep-sea divers, but as time has passed, doctors have realized the benefits of HBOT for many diagnoses. Some of these benefits include:
- Increased the effectiveness of certain antibiotics
- Diminishes inflammation
- Stops the progression of harmful bacteria
- Fortifies the immune system
- Expedites the healing of wounds
- Promotes the development of new connective tissues and skin cells
- Inhibits reperfusion injury
- Encourages stem cell growth
Types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers
There are two different types of chambers used in HBOT. First, there is a solo chamber that is typically called a monoplace chamber. This is the standard single-person chamber. There are also multiplace chambers that can hold up to 20 people. These can be quite expensive, but they help staff members serve their patients more effectively. Both types of chambers provide the same quality of care.
How Often Are Treatments?
Every situation is different regarding HBOT. Some patients may need more therapy than others, but most can expect 20 to 30 treatments over 30 to 45 days.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
Most hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions last around two hours. This will depend on the patient and the amount of oxygen needed with each session.
O2 Assist Is Here to Help
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can treat a wide variety of health complications and ailments. O2 Assist is here to provide the latest technology for oxygen therapy to fit your unique needs. When you buy one of our concentrators, you'll be connected to a personal oxygen specialist that will be there to answer any questions about your device. Even before you purchase your concentrator, you can quickly get in touch with us using our 24-hour online chat or contact us over the phone. We’d love to hear from you today!