Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Overview

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen in a sealed chamber. This concentration is five times higher than the normal air we breathe. The chamber is also pressurized to create 1.5 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. These changes can improve blood circulation and the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to the body.

Prior to Procedure

• Wear comfortable clothes.

• Bring a book or an activity that you can do in the chamber.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie down on a padded table, which slides into a tube. This is called a single-person chamber. In some cases, the chamber may be large, holding more than a dozen people.

A technician will gradually pressurize the chamber with 100% oxygen. You will be able to talk to this person. While in the chamber, you will be instructed to:

• Relax and breathe normally.
• If your ears pop or you have discomfort, tell the technician. She may be able to lower the pressure.
• Swallow or blow with your nose pinched to relieve discomfort.
• After getting to the right pressure, place a clear plastic hood or mask over your head. This will deliver oxygen to you.

If you are at high risk for oxygen toxicity, you may be allowed to breathe regular air for brief periods.

Immediately After Procedure

Over a period of several minutes, the technician will slowly depressurize the chamber. You will likely have some ear popping and feel light-headed and tired. However, you should be able to go back to your daily activities. You may have more than one session over a period of several days.

How Long Will It Take?

½ hour to 2 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will not have any pain. Your ears may feel full.

Average Hospital Stay

Unless you have another medical condition, you will be able to go home after HBOT.

Post-procedure Care

In most cases, there is no special care after treatment. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .

RESOURCES:

Divers Alert Network
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/

The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
http://www.uhms.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

Healthy U
http://www.healthyalberta.com/

References:

Greensmith. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. University of Iowa Virtual Hospital website. Available at: http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/anesthesia/hyperbaricoxygen/index.html . Updated August 2007. Accessed September 7, 2009.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO53xHyperbaricoxygen_therapy.asp?sitearea=ETO . Updated November 2008. Accessed September 7, 2009.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002375.htm . Updated September 2008. Accessed September 7, 2009.