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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment used to treat a limited but diverse number of illnesses. Hyperbaric oxygen is a simple concept. The air we breathe contains 21 percent oxygen. By breathing 100% oxygen under pressure, we are able to deliver more than three times the oxygen to tissues that can ordinarily be provided at a normal (sea level) atmosphere. This "hyperbaric" (or high pressure) dose of oxygen offers clinical benefits, which have been observed clinically and by research.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be the primary treatment for some disorders, or as part of a combined effort as adjunct therapy to improve the effectiveness of standard therapy. In order to provide patients with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a pressurized chamber is necessary. The patient is placed within the chamber. The chamber is then compressed to the level (depth equivalent) ordered by the consulting physician, using pure oxygen for a specified period of time. The number of treatments varies with different diseases and may be modified according to clinical response.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause long term health problems, which may include headaches, dizziness, nausea and neurologic problems. Carbon monoxide is directly toxic to the brain. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also extremely beneficial in the treatment of smoke inhalation and cyanide poisoning. The oxygen therapy reverses the toxic effects of such chemicals by assisting oxygenation when the lungs are damaged. Specific indicators are used by the HBO physician to determine when HBO therapy is needed.
Gas embolism occurs when air enters the blood vessels. An embolism is commonly found in divers or occasionally associated with complications arising from a medical procedure. Depending on the location of the air bubble, the effects can be fatal.
This uncommon wound infection is progressive and possibly fatal. Caused by bacteria, gas gangrene or Clostridial Myonecrosis produces bacterial toxins into tissues during an infection. This toxin is harmful to the tissue. HBO stops toxin production and reduces bacterial growth.
This sickness is usually found in divers and is also known as the bends. When a diver reaches the surface, nitrogen bubbles may accumulate in the diver's tissues causing joint pain, paralysis and even death.
Most patients are capable of normal wound healing. Certain diseases such as diabetes, blood vessel narrowing or radiation tissue injury, can be affected by HBO, which facilitates wound healing by increasing microblood vessels, enhancing the wound healing mechanism and facilitating high tissue levels of oxygen.
When oxygen is delivered to a patient in a hyperbaric chamber, it is absorbed by hemoglobin and more readily into the blood stream plasma, which is delivered to body tissues. This additional oxygen delivery to tissue aids in the healing process. Wound dressings can often be left on during treatment, without affecting the treatment since surface oxygen has no beneficial effect.
Depending on the reason for your referral and treatment at the Center, hyperbaric oxygen may be used to aid in one or more of the following:
Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are normally painless. You lie comfortably and restfully in an enclosed plastic acrylic chamber. You can watch TV, listen to music or even sleep. We promise to make you as comfortable as possible, so that your treatment is most beneficial and pleasant.
While in the chamber, you may experience a sensation of fullness in your ears during certain stages of the treatment. The sensation is similar to that which is felt while flying in an airplane or driving down a mountain. The eardrum must adapt to the changes in pressure. As part of your introduction to the treatment, you will be taught several easy methods to avoid ear discomfort.
Most people experience no after-effects from hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Some patients do report a "crackling" in their ears between treatments. This can be relieved by the same methods you will have been previously taught when flying. Other patients have reported feeling light-headed for a few minutes following a treatment. This is a brief sensation and should go away momentarily.
Like all medical treatments and procedures, some additional risks may be associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These risks are extremely rare and will be thoroughly discussed with you before you consent to therapy.
Our trained hyperbaric medicine team will discuss your planned course of therapy with you before you start treatment. Your number of treatments depends on how you respond to the therapy. The hyperbaric medicine team will advise you as the information becomes available.
For referrals and/or emergencies please call (617) 573-4411, 24 hours a day. For patient referrals only, Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., please call (617) 573-4084.
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