Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been a highly effective and non-invasive treatment for many years to help patients recover from various medical conditions. The therapy exposes patients to a highly pressurized environment while they breathe in pure oxygen. We intend to expose the safety, time frame of exposure and benefits of HBOT in this article. Read on!
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The increased pressure and oxygen levels in the Oxygenark hyperbaric chamber promote healing by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the body’s natural immune response. If you doubt whether this treatment suits your patients, you should read further. We will discuss the safety and duration of this therapy and its health benefits to your patients.
What are the Benefits of HBOT?
HBOT is administered using a monoplace chamber or multiplace chamber. The therapy is investigated to treat several illnesses by offering 100% oxygen. Listed below are some of the benefits of HBOT
#1 Treat Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Treating carbon monoxide poisoning with HBOT is one of the most common uses of the therapy. Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that can interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen.
When people are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, the oxygen in their blood is displaced, and their organs and tissues are deprived of the oxygen needed to function properly. By breathing in pure oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber, patients can quickly restore the oxygen levels in their blood and promote healing throughout their bodies.
#2 Treat Wounds
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Another benefit of HBOT is it helps wounds faster. This can be especially helpful for patients who have diabetes, as they are more prone to developing chronic wounds that do not respond to conventional treatments.
By exposing the patient’s body to increased oxygen levels in a hyperbaric chamber, HBOT can help promote new tissue growth, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation to the affected area. This can help to make the healing process faster and reduce infection risks.
#3 Treats Infections
HBOT is also effective in treating certain infections. By exposing the body to increased oxygen levels, the therapy helps fight harmful bacteria and viruses that may be causing the infection. Many harmful microbes are anaerobic, meaning they cannot survive in environments with high oxygen levels. By increasing the oxygen levels in the body, HBOT can help to eliminate these harmful pathogens and promote healing.
Other known benefits of HBOT are;
- It improves brain tissue oxygenation, which helps fight the cognitive decline associated with aging. Also, the process may help stimulate memory, mental clarity, executive functions, etc.
- The extra oxygen accumulated in the system helps rebuild blood vessels and improve blood circulation. This process feeds patients’ muscles, bones, and joints while stimulating tissue regeneration.
- HBOT chamber treatment help build up the natural immune system by boosting the body’s supply of circulating stem cells.
- HBOT is an anti-aging remedy that helps patients look younger, feel less pain, acquire more energy, and keep their minds more active.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and effective treatment method for many medical conditions. And patients should be bold in considering this therapy as a potential option for treating illnesses.
However, informing patients of the potential exposure risk factors and taking the precautions required to ensure a safe and successful treatment experience is necessary. With the proper care and attention, many patients have seen significant improvements in their condition through HBOT.
Is it Safe to Sleep Inside a Hyperbaric Chamber?
Another common question is whether or not a patient can sleep in a hyperbaric chamber. The answer is ‘NO,’ Patients should not sleep inside a hyperbaric chamber during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric chambers are pressurized environments designed for patients to receive oxygen therapy while awake and alert.
Sleeping inside a hyperbaric chamber can lead to a lack of oxygen which is dangerous for the patient. Additionally, the chamber is not designed for extended periods, and sleeping inside can cause discomfort and increase the risk of injury.
Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and never sleep inside a hyperbaric chamber. Healthcare professionals should assist patients with concerns or questions regarding hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What are the Potential Risks Factors of HBOT?
The potential risk factors associated with a patient’s exposure to hyperbaric oxygen therapy is
#1 Middle Ear Injuries
One of the most common risks associated with HBOT is middle ear injuries. Increased pressure inside the chamber can sometimes cause pressure changes in the ear, leading to discomfort, pain, or damage.
However, this risk can be minimized by equalizing the pressure inside the ear and closely monitoring patients during treatment.
#2 Lungs Injuries
Lungs injuries. This can occur when the increased pressure in the chamber causes air bubbles to form in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties or even lung collapse. However, this risk can be minimized by carefully monitoring patients during treatment and ensuring they usually breathe.
#3 Eye Injuries
The increased pressure inside the chamber can sometimes cause changes in the pressure inside the eye, leading to discomfort or damage. However, this risk can be minimized by wearing protective goggles during treatment and monitoring patients closely.
Despite these potential risks, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally considered safe for most patients. With proper precautions and monitoring, the benefits of the therapy often outweigh the risks. Patients considering HBOT as a treatment option should always discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
How Long Should A Patient Stay Inside The Hyperbaric Chamber?
One of the most frequently asked questions about hyperbaric oxygen therapy is how long a patient can stay in the chamber. The duration of treatment depends on the individual patient’s condition and the purpose of the treatment. On average, an HBOT session lasts about 90 minutes.
Going by a patient’s condition and the severity of the symptoms, a session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Patients usually receive a series of treatments for days or weeks to see the maximum benefit.
The total number of sessions needed varies depending on the patient’s condition and how well they respond to treatment. In most cases, the healthcare provider determines the frequency and duration of the treatment based on the patient’s specific needs.
Following the recommended treatment plan and attending all scheduled appointments is essential to achieve the best possible outcome from hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
How Long Does the Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Last?
The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can last for varying amounts of time depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some patients may experience long-lasting benefits, while others may require ongoing treatment to maintain their results. For example, patients with non-healing wounds may require continuous hyperbaric oxygen therapy to prevent the injury from reopening.
Takeaway
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been tried in several medical conditions. Its benefits outweigh its predisposing factors. However, it is safe and advisable for patients to discuss this with their healthcare provider before attempting the treatment. Also, both parties must discuss and conclude all health history to ascertain the therapy’s safety.
Lastly, our product – Oxygenark hyperbaric chamber, meets every market standard and provides all the safety your patient needs throughout the therapy sessions.
