Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is a medical treatment in which the patient breathes 100% oxygen while his/her entire body is subjected to increased atmospheric pressure in a pressurised chamber (also called a hyperbaric chamber).
The treatment has been shown to benefit 13 conditions:
- Air or Gas Embolism
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Clostridal Myositis and Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)
- Crush Injury, Compartment Syndrome, and other Acute
Traumatic Ischemias
- Decompression Sickness
- Enhancement of Healing in Selected Problem Wounds
- Exceptional Blood Loss Anemia
- Intracranial Abscess
- Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
- Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis
- Delayed Radiation Injury (Soft Tissue and Bony Necrosis)
- Compromised Skin Grafts & Flaps
- Thermal Burns
How Does It Work?
Normally, our atmosphere 1 atmosphere of pressure at sea level. In this atmosphere, we breathe approximately 20% oxygen and 80% nitrogen. During HBO2, the pressure is increased to between 2 to 3 atmospheres pressure (two or three times more than normal), and the patient breathes 100% oxygen at this pressure. The pressure causes large amounts of oxygen to be dissolved in your blood, up to 21 times that of normal (PaO2 = 2100mmHg).
This extremely high oxygen partial pressure in the body results in several physiological effects, including:
- oxygenation of poorly perfused (hypoxic) tissues
- restoring the healing of poorly healing wounds
- restoring antibacterial action of hypoxic leucocytes (white blood cell)
- reducing tissue oedema
- direct killing of several types of bacteria (especially anaerobes) and reducing the production of toxins of some bacteria (especially Clostridium).
What Happens During Treatment?
Once you are in the chamber and the door is closed, you will hear the air begin to circulate as we start the gradual increase in pressure. This is called compression. There may be a temporary increase in warmth of the air during compression. During this stage you will experience a “full” sensation in your ears, similar to flying in an aircraft or SCUBA diving. A chamber attendant/nurse will remain with you throughout the treatment to assist you with relieving the "fullness" in your ears and other problems. Compression generally lasts 7 to 10 minutes, depending on how effectively you clear your ears.
When you have reached the prescribed pressure, the “fullness” in your ears will cease, and the chamber attendant/nurse will assist you in using the oxygen mask or hood. The mask or hood allows you to breathe 100% oxygen. You may rest or read during this time, which will be about 1˝ to 2 hours. There will be breaks in which you periodically take off your mask or hood to breathe air instead of oxygen for short periods.
Near the end of your treatment, the pressure will be slowly decreased until it reaches the normal atmospheric pressure (1 atmosphere).
Is There Any Other Effects?
Generally, you will experience no other effects from HBO2. However, some patients experience ear discomfort during treatment. This is usually temporary.
As with all medical procedures and treatments, there are some side effects that may result from exposure to hyperbaric oxygen. These are rare, but will be discussed with you in detail by the hyperbaric physician and nurse before you sign your consent for treatment.
How Can I Get Treatment at IUHM?
If you are a military personnel, military dependent or an ex-serviceman, go to any military health facility and the doctor will refer you to IUHM if your condition will benefit from HBO2. If you are a civilian, get your doctor to discuss your case with IUHM.
After a brief interview to note your medical history and a physical examination, various tests (e.g. chest x-ray, blood tests) may be ordered depending on the type and severity of your illness. Then a treatment schedule will be prescribed depending on your condition and type of illness.