HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
WHAT IS HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT)?
HBOT is a treatment that enhances the body's natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. It is used for various treatments, usually as a part of an overall medical care plan.
Under normal circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body only by red blood cells. With HBOT, oxygen is dissolved into all of the body'd fluids, the plasma, the central nervous system fluids, the lymph, and the bone, and can be carried to areas where circulation is diminished or blocked. In this way, extra oxygen can reach all of the damaged tissues, and the body can support its own healing process. The increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduces swelling, and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas. It is a simple, non-invasive, and painless treatment.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY?
It has long been known that healing in many areas of the body cannot take place without appropriate oxygen levels in the tissue. Most illnesses and injuries occur and often linger at the cellular or tissue level. In many cases, such as circulatory problems, non-healing wounds, and strokes, adequate oxygen cannot reach the damaged area, and the body's natural healing ability is unable to function properly. HBOT provides this extra oxygen naturally and with minimal side effects.
HBOT improves the patient's quality of life in many areas when standard medicine is not working. Many conditions, such as stroke, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and chronic fatigue, have responded favorably to HBOT.
WHAT CONDITIONS DOES HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY TREAT?
HBOT is used to treat all conditions that benefit from increased tissue oxygen availability and infections where it can be used for its antibiotic properties, either as the primary therapy or in conjunction with other drugs. Below are a few conditions:
-
Alzheimer's
-
Autism
-
Cancer
-
Cerebral Palsy
-
Lyme Disease
-
Migraine
-
Multiple Sclerosis
-
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
-
Recovery from Plastic Surgery
-
Sports Injuries
-
Stroke
-
Thermal Burns
-
Traumatic Brain Injury
IS HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY SAFE?
HBOT is performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks, like all medical treatments, HBOT is extremely safe overall. Any risks will be discussed with you before therapy.
ARE THERE ANY HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY SIDE EFFECTS?
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 adequate clearing of the ears during compression.
WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE TECHNICIAN NEED TO KNOW FROM THE PATIENT PRIOR TO HBOT?
-
If you have any cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion.
-
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.
-
If there has been a change in any of your medications.
-
If you have skipped a meal prior to your HBO treatment.
-
If you are diabetic and did not take your insulin prior to your treatment.
-
If you have any concerns or anxiety.