Hyperbaric Medicine
Hyperbaric medicine utilizes Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), where patients breathe 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. Treatment sessions can last from a few minutes to up to two hours, after which the pressure gradually returns to normal. Due to the high pressure, some patients may experience discomfort, including ear pain or a popping sensation. HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body, promoting healing and reducing the impact of certain medical conditions. It is commonly used to treat decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds (such as diabetic foot ulcers), radiation injuries, and certain infections. The increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream, which accelerates healing and improves outcomes for various medical conditions.
About Hyperbaric Medicine
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that accelerates the healing process for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, non-healing wounds, and infections where tissues lack adequate oxygen. During HBOT, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, with air pressure levels 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal. This therapy aims to saturate the blood with enough oxygen to repair damaged tissues and restore normal body functions. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds, radiation injuries, and certain infections. By increasing oxygen delivery to affected tissues, HBOT serves as an effective adjunctive therapy, enhancing outcomes for various medical conditions.
Procedure of Hyperbaric Medicine
Preparation: Before the session, patients may need to remove clothing or jewelry that could interfere with the treatment. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, are monitored before and during the procedure.
Entering the Chamber: Patients enter a specially designed chamber, either individually or with a healthcare provider. Once inside, the chamber is sealed, and the pressure is gradually increased to the required level.
Breathing Pure Oxygen: After reaching the desired pressure, patients breathe pure oxygen through a mask or hood. The increased atmospheric pressure allows oxygen to dissolve more effectively into the bloodstream and tissues.
Treatment Session: Sessions typically last between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the prescribed protocol. Patients can rest, read, watch television, or listen to music during the session.
Monitoring After Treatment: Following the session, trained medical staff monitor patients for safety and comfort. Some may experience mild side effects like fatigue or lightheadedness, while more severe issues, though rare, could include lung damage. Vital signs are checked regularly to ensure the patient’s well-being.
After Exiting the Chamber: The chamber’s pressure is slowly reduced to normal, and patients can exit the chamber. Most individuals are able to resume their normal activities immediately following the treatment.