What are the pros and cons of hyperbaric oxygen therapy? What are the pros and cons of hyperbaric chamber? Who shouldn’t use HBOT? What are hyperbaric chamber pros and cons? What are the hyperbaric oxygen therapy pros and cons? Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy worth it? What are hyperbaric oxygen therapy indications? What are the disadvantages of hyperbaric oxygen treatment? And many similar questions are frequently asked by people who are considering HBOT.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enables the healing of damaged tissue by helping the development of new skin, blood vessels and connective tissues in the body. The goal of this treatment process will be to repair the tissues and replenish them with enough oxygen to restore normal body function. Tretment is applied by increasing the air pressure in the hyperbaric oxygen treatment room to 2 to 3 times the normal air pressure.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the treatment of chronic wounds and damaged tissues by inhaling pure oxygen that high pressure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to accelerate the healing of wounds. This treatment is performed in special pressure-balanced rooms containing pure oxygen. By breathing in these rooms, patients help collect and absorb oxygen more intensively into the lungs.
In addition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in the treatment of people with sudden hearing and vision loss, bone infections and diabetic foot wounds. Depending on the type of treatment, you can sit or lie down during the procedure.
What are the Pros and Cons of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
PROS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Accelerates Wound Healing: HBOT can accelerate the healing process of wounds. It is especially effective in cases such as tissue damage or burns.
Supports Tissue Regeneration: Hyperoxygenation can support the regeneration of tissues and promote the restructuring of damaged tissues.
May Reduce Infections: High-pressure oxygen may be effective in killing some bacteria and microorganisms or reducing infections.
Improves Circulation: HBOT can help carry more oxygen to tissues by increasing blood circulation. This can be especially useful in cases of circulatory disorders or injuries.
Treats Certain Medical Conditions: HBOT may be effective in treating conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, gas embolism.
CONS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Risk of Barotrauma: Being under high pressure may increase the risk of barotrauma to the ears, sinuses or lungs.
Lung Damage: Long-term HBOT may cause lung damage or oxygen toxicity.
Ear and Sinus Problems: Being under high pressure can cause discomfort or problems in the ears and sinuses.
Side Effects: Side effects of HBOT may include temporary discomfort such as headache, nausea, fatigue, muscle or joint pain.
Cost: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be costly in some cases and require long-term treatments.
RESULT
For any medical condition, the benefits and risks of HBOT should be evaluated by your doctor. This allows treatment to be administered in a personalized way.
What Illness Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treat?
Hyperbaric oxygen, which helps the immune system fight bacteria and produce stem cells, is used to treat the following diseases:
- Air or gas bubbles in the blood vessels (air embolism)
- Various burns and tissue loss
- Decompression sickness
- Buerger’s disease
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Hearing and vision loss
- Compartment syndrome
- Injuries that damage the skin
- Gas gangrene
- Anemia
- Radiation injuries
- Bone and skin infections
- Diabetic foot wound
How to Apply Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is performed in rooms containing 100% oxygen and you will be given a special mask for the treatment. During treatment, you will sit or lie down in a private room. Depending on the center where the treatment is performed, the rooms can be multiple or single.
Once the door is closed, the chamber is filled with oxygen and the pressure inside is slowly increased. During this time, congestion in the ears may be felt. You can relax your ears by yawning or drinking a sip of water. Normal breathing continues throughout the treatment. Treatment is applied for 90-120 minutes depending on the person’s needs.
What are Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Contraindications?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be harmful for some people. If you have a periodic or chronic illness, you should first get support from a specialist doctor. People who should not receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy can listed as follows:
- People with lung collapse (pneumothorax) disease
- Those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- People experiencing fever or cold
- Those who have recently had ear surgery
What are the Risks and Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy carries some risks. The possible risks and complications can be listed as follows:
Claustrophobia: Small and closed rooms can trigger claustrophobia in people. In addition, there is a possibility of anxiety and panic attacks. At this point, the specialist doctor may give you a mild sedative to keep you calm.
Middle Ear Injuries: Ear pain, tensor tympani muscle bleeding, fluid in the ears, or eardrum rupture may occur.
Sinus Congestion: Runny nose, congestion, and headache may occur.
Temporary Nearsightedness: Some people may experience a short-term loss of 20% to 40% of their ability to see far away. People with diabetes or those over the age of 65 may be more affected by this condition.
Oxygen Poisoning: Although rare, poisoning (toxicity) may occur when too much oxygen enters the lungs. It is seen as cough and shortness of breath.
Seizures: In rare cases, some people receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have seizures. Side effects include convulsions, sensory impairment, and fainting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?
There are potential risks such as ear and sinus pain due to increased pressure and increased oxygen during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but overall it is a safe form of treatment.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Painful?
Oxygen therapy is not a painful process, but various side effects may occur.
What Are the Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides benefits by enabling people to heal wounds caused by chronic diseases. In addition, it is an advantageous type of treatment in terms of a new skin and healing of tissues.
What is the Recovery Time After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you can return to daily life. The effects begin to be seen after a few sessions. But this period may vary from person to person. Continuing treatment completely is important for recovery.
Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Be Taken During Pregnancy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should not be taken during pregnancy. The placenta is a temporary organ that connects a growing fetus to the uterus during pregnancy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy causes constriction of the muscles around the blood vessels in the placenta, causing low oxygen levels in the fetus’s blood.
Are the Results of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Permanent?
After all sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are completed, the effects last up to 12 months.
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