"Life starts with health,it continues with your loved ones."
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment method in which pure oxygen is given intermittently to the patient under high pressure in a pressure chamber. It is the process of breathing 100% oxygen by giving a pressure (1ATA) higher than sea level to the patient who is taken to the pressure room.
In Which Situations Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Applied?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in many diseases such as;
- Soft tissue infection,
- Blood loss,
- Sudden hearing loss,
- Sudden loss of vision,
- Gas poisoning,
- Exposure to more than possible radiation,
- Gas gangrene,
- Bone infection and death,
- Diabetic wounds.
Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has almost no side effects. Due to the pressure given, pain may occur in the ears and sinuses after the treatment. In addition, the effect of this pressure on poorly made dental fillings and caries, if any, can be seen and pain may occur. Pure oxygen delivered at pressures higher than 3 ATA can cause oxygen poisoning. This is very rare. In order to eliminate these side effects, before starting the treatment, the patient should be well examined, precautions should be taken and the treatment should be done accordingly. It is recommended to take a shower before the session and not to use products such as deodorant, perfume and hair spray after showering. In addition, since the pressure chamber is filled with pure oxygen, the patient should not enter the room with flammable materials and battery-operated items.
How is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Performed?
It is a procedure performed by breathing pure oxygen given to the patient taken into specially designed pressure chambers. This is done in single rooms or in rooms with more than one person. Oxygen inhalation can be done sitting or lying down. These cabins are pressurized and increase approximately 2-2.5 times the normal pressure level. After the rising pressure, pure oxygen is given to the patient with the help of a mask, and the mask is removed and re-attached at regular intervals. The patient may first feel a pain in the ears due to the pressure. The treatment session can last up to 120 minutes. How many minutes the sessions will be and how many times they will be are determined after the examinations and tests performed by the doctor.
What Are the Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have been proven by research. Thanks to this treatment;
- Improvement was observed in the conditions of patients who experienced insomnia, lack of attention and disorganization, and mood.
- The treatment provides an increase in oxygenation in the body and allows the lungs to receive a higher amount of oxygen. The ingested oxygen passes into the body fluids at a higher rate and faster recovery occurs.
- It helps to reduce edema.
- It accelerates the healing of diabetic wounds. It inhibits the growth of some bacteria and increases the effect of the antibiotic.
- It opens vascular occlusions.
- It is the primary treatment method in the treatment of sudden vision and hearing loss.
