What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Let's understand it simply!

Do you have a wound that just won't heal? Maybe it's a diabetic foot ulcer. Or maybe you're battling a serious infection. In cases like these, we're talking about a slightly different, but very beneficial, treatment that can help in addition to standard treatments. This is called hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT for short.

Simply put, what is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?

Okay, let's put it this way. The air you and I breathe right now is only 21% oxygen. But in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), you are given 100% pure oxygen . Not only that, but this oxygen is given from inside a specially designed pressurized chamber. The pressure inside this chamber is about two to three times higher than normal atmospheric pressure.

Think about it, just like you can dissolve more sugar in hot water than you can dissolve sugar in cold water, under this increased pressure your blood is able to absorb and dissolve more oxygen than normal. When you get this extra oxygen, when that oxygen-rich blood goes throughout your body, especially to injured and damaged tissues, those tissues start to heal faster. It also gives you a lot of strength to fight off infections.

This treatment is usually done on an outpatient basis. Each session lasts about an hour or two. Depending on your condition, you may be sitting in a chair or lying down on a bed.

What conditions is this treatment used for?

Major health agencies around the world, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have approved this treatment for several specific conditions. This means that it has been scientifically proven to be effective for these conditions.

Should we also be aware of practices that are not approved but are being promoted?

Yes, sometimes you may hear that this treatment can cure many other diseases. Some spas and alternative medicine centers may advertise these. But there is not enough scientific research yet to prove that HBOT treatment is effective for these claims. So be careful with these.

So remember, if you are going to get this treatment, it should only be done for an approved condition, under the supervision of a qualified doctor, and in a reputable hospital.

What happens before and during treatment?

Since this is a slightly different experience, it's good to know about it in advance, right?

Preparation before treatment

Before you begin treatment, the doctor and nursing staff will carefully examine your health.

• You need to tell them about all the medications you take and any devices you have installed in your body, such as a pacemaker.
• You should also mention the skin care products and lotions you use, because some things can easily catch fire in an environment with high oxygen concentrations.
• Before you are admitted to the treatment room, you will be asked to wear a special gown provided by the hospital. You will be asked to remove all metal objects such as watches, earrings, necklaces, as well as your phone and electronic devices. This is to prevent sparks from forming and causing a fire hazard.
• Since the treatment lasts one to two hours, it is wise to use the bathroom before entering the room.

During treatment

You will be taken into a special chamber. There can be two types of these chambers.

1. Monoplace cabin: This is a long, tube-like cabin that can accommodate only one person. You lie down on a bed and the bed is pushed into the cabin.

2. Multiplace room: This is a bit larger. Several people can sit and receive treatment at the same time. Here, you are given oxygen through a special mask or a transparent hood that is placed on your head.

After the chamber door is closed, a "sss" sound is heard as oxygen is gradually filled into the chamber. At the same time, the pressure in the chamber gradually increases.

You can breathe normally during the treatment. If you are bored, you can watch TV, listen to music, or even sleep. A member of the medical staff will be monitoring you at all times.

Is this treatment safe for everyone?

No. This treatment is not suitable for some people. It can also be risky. Your doctor will not recommend this treatment, especially if you have the following conditions:

• If there is a condition such as a collapsed lung/pneumothorax.
• If you have certain lung diseases such as COPD and cystic fibrosis.
• When you have a severe fever or cold.
• If you have recently had an ear injury or ear surgery.
• This treatment is not usually given to pregnant women, but only in very serious, life-threatening situations, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, and after weighing the pros and cons, a doctor may recommend it.

Are there any side effects or risks?

As with any medical treatment, HBOT can have minor risks and side effects. However, most of these are temporary.

After the treatment, you may feel a little tired and sleepy. This is normal. It is better to go home with someone else than to drive yourself.

When do you need to talk to a doctor?

If you have a medical condition like the ones we mentioned above, such as a non-healing wound or a severe infection, talk to your doctor about whether this treatment is right for you. He or she will review your complete health history and explain whether this is right for you, as well as the pros and cons.

Very important:If you experience any difficulty breathing or chest pain during or after taking this treatment, inform your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.