Why is this procedure done?
The body needs oxygen to work properly. Lack of oxygen in the body may lead to serious health problems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also called HBOT. It is a procedure done to provide 100%, or pure, oxygen to the body. HBOT is done to treat health conditions like: ‚
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Illness from diving too deep
- Infection where gas forms beneath the skin
- Bone infection
- Skin grafts
- Very bad wounds that will not heal
This procedure is done in a special chamber that has 3 times the normal pressure. This setting helps a person inhale more oxygen into the body. ‚
What will the results be?
- Speeds up the healing process
- Improved blood flow
- Make the size of air bubbles in the blood smaller
- Improve signs from a sudden change in pressure
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam.
- Tell your doctor if you have problems being in an enclosed space. You may be given a drug to help you relax if you get nervous.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie down on a table or sit in a chair inside the chamber.
- The chamber has a speaker inside where you and the technician can talk.
- The pressure inside the chamber will be increased. You will relax and breathe normally.
- Tell the technician if you are uncomfortable or when your ears pop. You may swallow or yawn to ease the discomfort.
- You will wear a mask over your head. This helps deliver the oxygen to your body. Breathe normally.
- This procedure may take 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may feel lightheaded after the procedure. You may go home once you are stable. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
- If you are staying in the hospital for other treatments, your doctor will tell you when you may go home.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by the doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
You may need follow-up sessions to complete the therapy. Your doctor will schedule your follow-up visits. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Trouble sitting in the chamber because it feels too small
- Nearsightedness
- Ear damage
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy?sitearea=ETO ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚