Although the air we breathe may seem empty, it is actually made up of very small gas particles. Of these, oxygen is an essential gas for our lives. Normally, the air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen. But if you have an illness or injury, sometimes your body needs more oxygen than this normal amount. At times like these, your doctor may suggest a special treatment for you. That is, sitting in a hyperbaric chamber and breathing 100% pure oxygen. Let's talk about this treatment method today.
What is this Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Simply put, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen while sitting in a special chamber under high pressure. The air pressure inside this chamber is about three times higher than the pressure in the environment we normally live in. Because of this high pressure, your lungs are able to absorb much more oxygen than normal.
Imagine, the extra oxygen that is added to the blood in this way travels throughout the body through the blood . This extra oxygen can help the body heal wounds faster and help the body fight off bacterial infections .
Types of rooms that provide this treatment
There are two main types of HBOT chambers:
1. Monoplace: This is a long tube, like an MRI machine. Only one person can be treated at a time. You will be placed in this tube while lying on a bed. The pressure is then gradually increased as the chamber is filled with pure oxygen.
2. Multiplace: This is like a room. Several people can receive treatment at the same time. In this, you are given oxygen through a mask or a transparent hood that you wear on your head.
Although the appearance is different, the results of the treatment provided by both of these chambers are the same.
What conditions is HBOT treatment used for?
This is a very important point. HBOT is not a cure-all. There are specific conditions for which this treatment has been scientifically proven to be effective. There are also conditions for which this treatment has been proven not to be effective. It is very important to have a clear understanding of this.
| Conditions treated/recommended | Conditions not treated/not recommended |
|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide poisoning | Stroke |
| Decompression Sickness (The Bends) in Divers | Brain or spinal cord injuries |
| Non-healing wounds (e.g. diabetic foot wounds, wounds from radiation therapy) | Cancer |
| Arterial gas embolism | Heart disease |
| Severe skin and bone infections | Autism |
| Severe burns | Alzheimer's disease |
| Sudden loss of vision or hearing (in some cases) | COVID-19 |
| Severe anemia | HIV/AIDS |
The most important thing is that your doctor should decide whether this treatment is right for you. Do not rely on the internet or other people to recommend this treatment.
How should I prepare before treatment?
This is very important. Because this treatment is done in an environment with 100% oxygen. Oxygen is a gas that supports combustion . Therefore, great care must be taken regarding safety. It is forbidden to bring any flammable items into the chamber.
Do not bring the following items into the cabin.
| Things that are strictly prohibited from being taken into the cabin | |
|---|---|
| Lighters, matches | Oily cosmetics (Hair/Skin products) |
| Mobile phones, electronic devices | Perfume, Cologne |
| Anything that runs on batteries | Nail polish |
| Jewelry | Hearing aids |
Before going for treatment, wash your body thoroughly and do not use any cosmetics. The hospital will give you a special gown to wear.
What to expect during treatment?
Once you are in the chamber, the technician will gradually increase the pressure in the chamber. At this point, you may feel like your ears are popping, like you are flying in an airplane or climbing a mountain. This is normal. This can be relieved by opening your mouth wide and swallowing saliva.
During the treatment, you can listen to music, watch a movie, or just relax. A session usually lasts about 2 hours. However, this time may vary depending on your condition. When the treatment is over, your blood pressure will gradually return to normal. Then you can come out.
Are there any side effects or risks to this?
HBOT is generally a very safe treatment. However, like any medical treatment, there are minor side effects and very rare risks.
Common possible side effects:
Rarely serious risks:
- Middle ear disorders: Changes in pressure can cause damage, such as a ruptured eardrum.
- Temporary vision changes: The lens of the eye may be affected, causing temporary nearsightedness. This will return to normal within a few days or weeks.
- Lung damage: Pressure changes can rarely cause lung damage.
- Oxygen poisoning: Too much oxygen can cause seizures and fluid in the lungs, but this is very rare.
People who should not take this treatment: People who have recently undergone ear surgery, those with a severe cold or flu, those with certain lung diseases, and those with severe congestive heart failure should avoid taking this treatment.
Always discuss with your doctor whether this treatment is right for you and what its pros and cons are.
Take-Home Message
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a specialized medical treatment that is only offered for a few specific, scientifically proven medical conditions.
- This is not 'magic' or a 'miracle cure' that will cure all ills.
- Only your doctor should decide if this treatment is right for you.
- It is imperative to strictly adhere to safety rules during treatment, especially those related to fire hazards.
- It is important to understand that this treatment also has some side effects and risks.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, HBOT, Oxygen Therapy, High Pressure Oxygen, Wound Healing, Decompression Sickness, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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