Frequently Asked Questions
What is HBOT?
HBOT stands for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. During HBOT your body is effectively saturated with oxygen, an essential element used by your body for healing. HBOT provides oxygen to cells and tissues that suffer from a lack of oxygen. Healing tissues suffering from hypoxia are unable to heal themselves as effectively as when they have oxygen. Most cells in areas of swelling or other types of injury are suffering from hypoxia. HBOT also boosts the abilities of the immune system by accelerating the creation of new white blood cells, the sentinel of the bloodstream.
How Does HBOT Work?
During HBOT, the patient is placed in a chamber that allows the body to be brought to greater-than-normal atmospheric pressure. Under this greater-than-normal atmospheric pressure, the patient breathes 100% oxygen, which first fills the red blood cells in the bloodstream, then continues to flow into the bloodstream and is absorbed directly into the plasma (one of the components of blood). The increased atmospheric pressure facilitates oxygen absorption. The dissolved oxygen in the plasma is more readily available for use by the cells in the body, as little is required to remove the oxygen from the red blood cells. HBOT is a process that floods the body with oxygen so that it may more readily heal itself.
What Effect Does HBOT Have On Healing?
HBOT provides the cells with a boost of oxygen to help the healing process. Oxygen is better able to reach cells that are suffering from hypoxia because of blocked or damaged capillaries (smaller blood vessels that are the last link in the circulatory system to deliver oxygen to cells). Healing is often accelerated by 30%-50% or more (this will vary depending on illness and condition).
What Are The Contraindications?
Claustrophobia can be an issue for some patients. The chamber is sealed off and can not be opened quickly without necessary decompression. Sedatives can be used to relieve any anxiety that you may experience.
Ear and face pain, known as ear or sinus squeeze, can occur in about 5 to 10% of dives to pressure. During compression, the chamber technician will guide you in performing maneuvers such as holding your nose and trying to exhale gently through it. Like trying to pop your ears or even the simple act of swallowing helps clear (equalize) your ears and sinuses of pressure build-up. If you are unable to equalize, the descent is ceased, as you can "pop" your ear drum. It doesn't go away, it only gets worse I promise you. I have had severe ear squeeze while scubadiving after healing from a sinus infection. I had blood in my mask when I came up. A little blood and a lot of water looks like a lot of blood!
An irritating cough can develop because of the dryness and irritation of pure oxygen in the lungs. A cough due to a viral illness can be made much worse by HBOT, so always let the doctor/chamber technician know if you have cold or flu symptoms or are healing from such.
Seizures can be provoked by oxygen saturation, and medication for epilepsy will need to be reviewed. The use of short intervals of breathing medical grade air by mask to prevent oxygen build-up may be used.
Blood sugar and insulin levels will have to be closely monitored during HBOT. You will be asked to check your blood sugar levels prior to entering the chamber.
If you are pregnant, is is highly doubtful you will be approved for HBOT. You see oxygen bubbles can take the place of a mass of developing cells in the fetus and quite frankly the fetus could be born without this area that the bubbles were prior (i.e. lung, brain hemisphere, eye, hypothalamus, etc, etc). You will also be excluded if you have or have had congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute fevers, asthma, optic neuritis, pneumothorax (ever had a collapsed lung or weak lung wall), and any recent radiation treatment. Advise how recent your radiation treatment was if this applies to you.
Cataracts can be made worse by HBOT.
Let the technicians know if you have taken medications such as insulin, steroids such as cortisone, amphetamines, adrenalin, bleomycin , doxyrubicin, narcotics, alcohol, nicotine, vasodilators, digitalis, sulfamylon, or disulfiram (Antabuse).
Tooth fillings which may be improperly sealed, unfinished crowns, sinus infections, a cold or flu, stopped up ears or other ailments which pose an equalization hazard.
During a long course of treatment you may develop temporary vision changes or numbness of your fingers. These pass in time.
Rare complications and emergency procedures may require medical consultation or evacuation to critical care facilities.
Do I Have To See A Doctor First?
Hyperbaric treatment is given under the care and prescription of a medical doctor. Advanced Hyperbarics works in conjunction with several doctors. Before treatment is prescribed, an examination is given to ensure proper treatment.
Why Hasn't My Doctor Recommended HBOT To Me Earlier?
Hyperbaric medicine is not taught in most medical schools. As part of their continuing education doctors are often overwhelmed with information with the number of treatments available for various conditions. Pharmaceutical companies advertise by sending doctors information regarding their products. As hyperbarics is a commodity, there is no central organization that sends physicians information regarding hyperbaric treatment. Thus, in order for doctors to learn of the healing possibilities of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, they must reach beyond the loads of information already handed to them. Doctors must actively research the possibilities of hyperbarics to know of the many benefits it provides, and too often, our physicians are too busy with treating patients to reach out and seek new possibilities; those physicians who have, however, endorse hyperbarics.
Who Cannot Have HBOT?
There are a few conditions in which some may not be able to undergo HBOT. If the patient has certain types of lung damage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not be a suitable treatment. Certain medications will also preclude some from hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
Diabetics are required to take a blood test before each hyperbaric treatment. If the blood sugar level is too low, the patient will not be permitted to undergo treatment until the level is raised. These conditions are for the overall wellness of the patient.
What Does It Feel Like When In The Chamber?
During hyperbaric treatment, one feels comfortable as though he or she were at atmospheric pressure. Patients feel as though they were not even in the chamber. While the chamber is changing pressures, one experiences the same effects of pressure change while ascending or descending in an airplane. It is very normal to feel pressure changes in your ears on ascent and descent, but it is abnormal to feel pain. You will be taught exactly what to do to overcome these pressure changes by your Hyperbaric Technitian.
What Can I Do During Treatment?
According to the pleasure and enjoyment of the patient, a movie will be played during hyperbaric treatment from the vast library of movies available. Patients also have the opportunity to read a book or enjoy their favorite radio station. Most importantly, patients can relax and breathe comfortably.
Do I Have To Be Alone While I'm In The Chamber?
Our new multi-place chamber allows up to five occupants to comfortably receive treatment in each of its two large sections. This allows patients with special needs to have parental or other accompaniment. Patients can, however, choose to be alone during treatment.
What Makes Our New Hyper-Tec Chamber State-Of-The-Art?
Our new Hyper-Tec™ chamber is a multi-lock system that incorporates the very latest in hyperbaric technology. The design of the chamber revolves around the safety, comfort, and convenience of the patient. Features of the chamber include: large doors, fire sprinklers, fire hose, and emergency exits. The Hyper-tec™ chamber system incorporates 3 locks (compartments within the chamber system), which allow patients to enter and exit treatment pressurization at will. The large compartments are designed with large portholes and exits in order to minimize feelings of claustrophobia. Advanced Hyperbarics maintains strict conformity to high industry standards and protocols, treatments schedules, and all other codes and standards. In addition to our safety features, the Hyper-tec™ chamber features an extensive entertainment system, which includes a projection television system and stereo system.
What Questions Should I Ask When Searching For A Clinic?
The most common question is the safety of the operations at the treatment facility. Also, are all codes and industry standards followed to exactness? Are medical personnel available in case of an emergency? Is there a plan for medical emergencies and a hospital nearby? Is the doctors prescription followed with the utmost accuracy in pressure, length, and frequency of treatments?
At Advanced Hyperbarics, safety is our primary focus. We follow ALL codes and standards developed for safe operation of hyperbaric facilities. All of our personnel have received medical training. There are 5 hospitals within 4.4 miles of our facility; the closest of which is less than one mile away. All prescriptions are followed with detail and accuracy.
