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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy by Annie Stuart

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen in a sealed chamber. This concentration is five times higher than the normal air we breathe. The chamber is also pressurized to create 1.5 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. These changes can improve blood circulation and the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to the body.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure has been used to treat many health problems, including:

An air bubble (embolism) which gets into the circulatory system and blocks blood flow
Decompression sickness , which can occur when divers or miners come to the surface too quickly
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Wound healing, especially in patients with poor circulation
Radiation therapy injuries following treatment for cancer
Skin grafts , flaps, or burns

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have HBOT, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Mild discomfort
Nearsightedness (myopia), which can last for weeks or months
Sinus damage, ruptured middle ear, or lung damage
Damage to the ear drum (tympanic membrane)
Oxygen toxicity, which can cause seizures , fluid in the lungs, or respiratory failure
Worsening symptoms or increased risk for lung problems in people with congestive heart failure or lung disease

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Wear comfortable clothes.
Bring a book or an activity that you can do in the chamber.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie down on a padded table, which slides into a tube. This is called a single-person chamber. In some cases, the chamber may be large, holding more than a dozen people.

A technician will gradually pressurize the chamber with 100% oxygen. You will be able to talk to this person. While in the chamber, you will be instructed to:

Relax and breathe normally.
If your ears pop or you have discomfort, tell the technician. She may be able to lower the pressure.
Swallow or blow with your nose pinched to relieve discomfort.
After getting to the right pressure, place a clear plastic hood or mask over your head. This will deliver oxygen to you.

If you are at high risk for oxygen toxicity, you may be allowed to breathe regular air for brief periods.

Immediately After Procedure

Over a period of several minutes, the technician will slowly depressurize the chamber. You will likely have some ear popping and feel light-headed and tired. However, you should be able to go back to your daily activities. You may have more than one session over a period of several days.

How Long Will It Take?

½ hour to 2 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will not have any pain. Your ears may feel full.

Average Hospital Stay

Unless you have another medical condition, you will be able to go home after HBOT.

Post-procedure Care

In most cases, there is no special care after treatment. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Discomfort or pain in your sinuses or ears
Onset of seizures
Vision problems
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

Divers Alert Network http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/
The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society http://www.uhms.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Healthy U http://www.healthyalberta.com/

References:

Greensmith. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. University of Iowa Virtual Hospital website. Available at: http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/anesthesia/hyperbaricoxygen/index.html . Updated August 2007. Accessed September 7, 2009.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3x_Hyperbaric_oxygen_therapy.asp?sitearea=ETO . Updated November 2008. Accessed September 7, 2009.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Mayo Clinic.com website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/MY00829 . Updated October 2009. Accessed November 18, 2010.

Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael J. Fucci, DO

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