Hyperbaric Oxygen is a medical treatment. Originally this
treatment was used to help divers who developed “the bends”
when they came to the surface too quickly. The treatment is still
used for “the bends,” but is also used to treat many
other diseases.
Hyperbaric
oxygen treatment is provided in a specially built pressurized
room. The air inside the room can be compressed up to 3 times
the pressure found at sea level. The pressure is similar to that
which is felt when diving underwater down to 66 feet.
During
the treatment, you will breathe 100% pure oxygen. Room air
is only 21 percent oxygen and 79 percent nitrogen. This combination
of high pressure and pure oxygen drives the life-giving oxygen
into the bloodstream at a very high concentration so that it can
spread deep into the body tissues to help fight many types of
illness.
The treatment
is generally painless. You will be seated or may lie down
during the treatment. You may rest, watch TV, or listen to music.
You will
experience a sense of fullness in the ears at the beginning and
end of treatment as the pressure is adjusted. The sensation
is similar to that which is felt when flying in an airplane or
diving underwater. You will be taught a simple maneuver to avoid
ear discomfort. Some patients will hear a crackling noise in their
ears between treatments, which is relieved using the same pressure
maneuvers. If the crackling continues it should be reported to
the staff. Some patients feel lightheaded for a few moments following
the treatment, but this is generally very brief.
Occasionally
patients may develop temporary changes in eyesight. In these
cases, the change should return back to pre-treatment status within
eight weeks of the completion of the treatment. There are other
less common side effects and risks, which will be discussed before
the therapy begins.
