The primary reason your doctor recommends hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to provide large amounts of oxygen to your lungs through a compression chamber. The principle behind this technique is the administration of oxygen at high atmospheric pressure. The increased oxygen multiplies more than three times the normal amount, and therefore it can reach tissues and enhance healing. Doctors recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Fort Worth to treat multiple conditions.
What to expect during a session
Your doctor may organize a joint session with other patients in a room. The procedure is under strict supervision, and health care experts are present to monitor the exercise.
Before the session, the healthcare expert conducts a consultation session to educate you on the specifics of the procedure.
A session of this therapy can last up to two hours. However, it is broken down into three stages: compression for 15 minutes, oxygenation for 60 minutes, and decompression for 15 minutes.
The frequency of the treatment depends on how quickly you recover from an illness. After the session, your doctor sets another appointment on another day.
You can be seated on an armchair or lie down, depending on your specific need. Then you breathe in the oxygen via a mask and a tube. An airlock enables oxygen to enter and exit the chamber without interfering with the pressure. There is also a small passage for other care equipment.
Are you the right candidate for hyperbaric oxygen?
Your doctor recommends hyperbaric oxygen therapy in emergencies such as gas embolisms, driving accidents, septic wounds, and carbon dioxide poisoning. Other instances include sudden deafness, hearing disorder, gas gangrene, and post-radiation injury.
Every situation is unique, and your doctor recommends the procedure and the number of sessions depending on your condition.
The oxygen mixes with the blood and during transportation, it boosts your immunity in fighting bacteria. It also stimulates the production of stem cells and other growth elements that promote the healing process.
What are the side effects and complications?
The side effects of this treatment are rare and minor. During the procedure, qualified personnel is on standby for continuous monitoring. The treatment is easy to implement, and the doctor checks for reactions during the session.
Even though hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe, there are inherent risks, such as lung damage due to increased air pressure. If you have diabetes, you may have low blood sugar. Also, some individuals may have seizures because of excess oxygen, and it can also lead to myopia or nearsightedness.
You will be given special clothing to wear, and some items like lighters or phones are not allowed in the chamber. Likewise, hair products or lotions can ignite a fire, and hence, you should not apply them before the session.
The exercise does not require hospitalization, and afterward, the doctor inspects your pulse, blood pressure, glucose level, and ears before allowing you to leave.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recommended for patients under special circumstances. Contact your health care expert at Wound Evolution – Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine to assess your suitability for the procedure.
