Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy includes breathing 100% oxygen in a sealed chamber. The concentration of oxygen is five times higher than in normal air that we breathe. The camera also creates a pressure of 1.5-3 times of the normal atmospheric. Therapy helps to improve blood circulation and the blood's ability to deliver oxygen to the body's tissues.

When HBOT is carried

This procedure is used to treat many diseases and disorders such as:

• If an air bubble (embolism) enters into the circulatory system and blocks the blood flow;
• Decompression sickness, which can occur when divers or miners too quickly rise to the surface;
• Carbon monoxide poisoning;
• Wound healing, especially in patients with poor blood circulation;
• Injuries from the use of radiation therapy at the treatment of cancer;
• If performed skin grafts or any burns.

Possible complications of hyperbaric oxygenation

Before perform HBOT need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Mild discomfort;
• Nearsightedness (myopia), which can last for several weeks or months;
• Damage to the sinus, rupture of the middle ear, or lung damage;
• Damage to the eardrum;
• Toxicity of oxygen which can cause seizures, fluid accumulation in the lungs or respiratory failure;
• Worsening symptoms or increased risk of lung disease in people with heart failure or lung disease.

It is necessary to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

Procedure of hyperbaric oxygenation

You will lie on a soft table in an oxygen chamber. In some cases, the chamber may be large, designed for ten or more people.

The technician will gradually increase the pressure in the chamber and upload into it  100% oxygen. You will be able talk to him. Being in the chamber, it is necessary to do the following:

• Relax and breathe normally;
• If there is discomfort in the ears, tell the specialist. He can reduce the pressure in the chamber;
• Perform swallowing movements or hold your nose and mouth and tighten as if exhale to equalize internal pressure and reduce the discomfort;
• When the pressure rises to the desired level, place a transparent plastic mask on a head  for supplying of pure oxygen.

After the procedure

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy lasts from 0.5 to 2 hours. Within a few minutes the doctor will gradually reduce the pressure in the chamber. At this time may appear dizziness and fatigue. However, you can return to your daily activities. Can be assigned more than one session HBOT during several days.