How Does This Treatment Work?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy allows an increased concentration of oxygen, above that which is possible with inhaled oxygen alone. This is achieved by the delivery of 100% oxygen through a patient mask with the addition of pressure (hyperbaric). This allows oxygen to dissolve directly in the blood plasma as well as saturate the body’s red blood cells.
Preparation Factors to Do Before Your Appointment
Before your session, it is recommended that you have a healthy meal or snack, this can be consumed a few hours before your session. Avoidance of alcohol and smoking will help to improve the benefit gained from the session
Do Not Arrive Sick
High temperatures or marked sinus congestion can increase the risk of side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and further sessions should be delayed until they have resolved. Uncontrolled high blood pressure should also be managed before having any hyperbaric oxygen sessions.
Certain medications should be Avoided Beforehand
Certain medications are not safe to be taken alongside hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These include some chemotherapies, some topical treatments and some medications used in the treatment of alcohol addiction.
It is important to bring a full list of medications with you to the appointment so they can be checked with the doctor before you have your session.
Be sure to speak with your doctor and health care providers in advance to discuss any drugs or medications that you are taking.
Food and Drink
It is important to be well-hydrated before attending your session. It is also important to avoid alcohol consumption before treatment and limit or avoid carbonated drinks. Smoking should be avoided both before and after treatments as it can negate the benefit of oxygen therapy
Wear Cotton Material Clothing
Cotton fibres do not cause static charge accumulation, which can lead to sparks in an oxygen-rich environment. Metal jewellery should not be worn in the chamber for this same reason.
Common Q&A about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, promoting healing by enhancing tissue repair and fighting infection.
In an HBOT chamber, the air pressure is increased up to three times higher than normal. This allows your lungs to gather more oxygen, which is then carried through the bloodstream to help heal damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
HBOT is commonly used to treat conditions like decompression sickness (from diving), chronic wounds (like diabetic ulcers), carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation injuries, and severe infections such as gangrene. Some also use it for off-label treatments like stroke recovery or traumatic brain injury.
Generally, HBOT is considered safe when administered by trained professionals. However, like any medical treatment, there are potential risks, such as ear pain, sinus issues, and in rare cases, oxygen toxicity or lung damage. Always consult a healthcare provider before undergoing HBOT.
A typical session lasts between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Multiple sessions are often required, with some treatment plans involving 20-40 sessions over several weeks.
During the treatment, you may experience a feeling similar to the pressure changes when flying in an airplane or diving underwater. You might need to “pop” your ears to equalize the pressure. Otherwise, the process is generally comfortable.
HBOT is generally safe, but it may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or those who have had recent ear surgery or infections, should avoid HBOT. Always consult a doctor to assess your eligibility.
Most patients tolerate HBOT well, but some side effects can occur, such as ear discomfort, sinus congestion, or mild fatigue. In rare cases, more severe side effects like oxygen toxicity or lung damage can occur, but these are uncommon.
For certain conditions, such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and chronic non-healing wounds, HBOT is often covered by insurance. However, off-label uses like anti-ageing or cognitive enhancement may not be covered. Check with your provider for details.
The number of sessions depends on the medical condition being treated. For chronic wounds or infections, 20-40 sessions may be recommended, while acute conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning may require fewer treatments. Your doctor will tailor the treatment plan to your needs.