Complications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

 

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment (HBOT), you breathe unadulterated oxygen inside a highly pressured environment. Mostly, the pressure inside the chamber will be within the range of 1.5 to 3 times more compared to regular air pressure. 

 

This therapy was first launched in the U.S. during the early 20th century. Later, it was used by undersea medicine specialists to heal deep-sea divers who developed decompression sickness, aka the bends. Presently, it is applied to treat multiple conditions from acute burns to carbon monoxide poisoning. However, like all medical procedures, it bears a few risks. 

 

Side Effects and Possible Complications of HBOT 

 

During HBOT, you lie on a table in an enclosed chamber of the skincare center and breathe oxygen as the pressure inside the chamber slowly increases. The therapy may continue for as little as 3 minutes or as long as 2 hours before the pressure is restored to standard levels. As the pressure is extremely high, a few people may feel uncomfortable while inside the chamber. You may feel ear pain or a popping feeling within your ears. 

 

To avoid oxygen poisoning, you may have to opt for short breaks during the therapy and breathe normal air. This can control tissues in the body from absorbing an excessive amount of oxygen. 

 

The oxygen dose provided during the treatment should be decided precisely for every individual. Your healthcare provider will assess any health issues you have, as well as your general health and your age. This helps to minimize the risk of side effects and complications. 

Possible symptoms or side effects after HBOT may include fatigue and lightheadedness. More acute problems may include any of the following- 

 

• Sinus damage  
• Lung damage 
• Changes in vision, leading to nearsightedness, or myopia 
• Fluid accumulation or bursting, and rupture of the middle ear 
• Oxygen poisoning may lead to seizures, lung failure, or fluid in the lungs 

 

Side Effects are Usually Mild as Long as: 

 

• The therapy doesn’t last beyond 2 hours during skincare in Los Angeles 
• The pressure within the chamber is less than 3 times compared to the regular pressure within the atmosphere. 

 

Cautions Regarding HBOT 

 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy isn’t safe for all. Ideally, you shouldn't opt for HBOT if you: 

• Have a collapsed lung  
• Have specific types of lung diseases, due to an enhanced risk for a collapsed lung 
• If you had recent ear surgery or injury 
• Suffer from cold or a fever 
• Do not prefer small enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) 

 

Precautions Measures 

 

The most ideal method to avoid side effects and complications of HBOT is to be healed by authorized and trained medical staff. It isn’t that all healthcare providers in the U.S. are board-certified in the field. The healthcare provider directing your therapy must have special training from The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Ask to verify his or her certificate of completion for the course. 

 

• Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 

 

Another method to prevent complications is to apply HBOT only as intended. HBOT is utilized for healing various health conditions including the following: 

 

• Cyanide poisoning  
• Carbon monoxide poisoning 
• Gas gangrene is a kind of gangrene in which gas accumulates inside tissues 
• Injury from crushing 
• Immediate or traumatic inadequate blood flow in the arteries 
• Decompression sickness 
• Skin grafts and flaps 
• Delayed radiation injury 
• Select wound healing 
• Infection in a bone called osteomyelitis 
• Air or gas bubbles trapped in a blood vessel, are known as an air or gas embolism. 
• A flesh-eating disease called necrotizing bacterial soft tissue infections 
• Diabetic wounds that are not adequately healing  
• The long-term (chronic) infection known as actinomycosis 

 

Inference 

 

Medicare, Medicaid, and several insurance companies usually cover these procedures. However, they may not cover it in all instances. Check with your insurance plan before you start treatment in a skincare Clinic in California.