HBOT is a non-invasive medical treatment that can address a variety of medical conditions, either as primary or complementary therapy. HBOT has very few contraindications and minimal (and rare) potential side effects. It may be helpful if you suffer from an inflammatory condition or a condition that may be improved when blood flow and delivery of oxygen to vital organs and tissues is optimized.
O2Hyper is a premier independent provider of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions. Our patient-centered approach includes creating a customized care plan that addresses each patient’s medical needs. During each Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy session, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber which often leads to remarkable health benefits.
What to Expect From HBOT Sessions
To benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, you’ll likely need more than one session. The number of sessions depends on your medical condition. Some conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, might be treated in three visits. Others, such as nonhealing wounds, may require 20 to 40 treatments. After a HBOT session is complete, some patients notice sensations of tiredness or hunger.
When Preparing For Your HBOT Session
Four hours before your session, do not drink alcohol or any carbonated beverages. Keep your energy up with meals or snacks high in protein. Wear clothing that is clean and made of cotton.
Keep in mind that the high-oxygen environment can cause fire if a spark or flame ignites. Because of this, items such as lighters or battery-powered devices are not allowed in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) chamber. Ask a member of your health care team for specific instructions before your first hyperbaric oxygen therapy session.
HBOT Cautions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not safe for everyone. In general, you shouldn’t receive HBOT if you:
- Have certain types of lung diseases, because of an increased risk for a collapsed lung
- Have a collapsed lung
- Have a cold or a fever
- Have had recent ear or eye surgery or injury
- Do not like small enclosed spaces (claustrophobia)
The FDA has not examined certain benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on other ailments, diseases and viruses. As such, the data is insufficient to support claims that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can effectively treat the following conditions:
- AIDS/HIV
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Autism
- Bell’s palsy
- Brain injury
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Cirrhosis
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Heart disease
- Heatstroke
- Hepatitis
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Sports injury
- Stroke
While the FDA has not examined the above-mentioned benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the above-mentioned, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has many biologic effects, including the activation of built-in antioxidant defenses, decrease in lipid degradation, increased antibacterial actions, and acts as a regulator of inflammation, which may theoretically affect the development and/or progression of MD(macular degeneration) and AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
Currently, studies of patients with ocular benefits due to the use of hyperbaric oxygen have little documentation. However, there is an increasing body of evidence showing its safety and efficacy in:
- retinal artery occlusion,
- cystoid macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion,
- scleral thinning and necrosis faced after pterygium surgery,
- orbital rhino-cerebral mucormycosis, nonhealing corneal edema,
- and anterior segment ischemia.
Its potential to treat some blinding disease has also been pointed out in recent studies.
In a clinical study completed by the Split Naval Medical Institute, Dr. L. Bojic treated four patients with advanced macular degeneration (MD) and severe vision loss in a clinical trial using HBOT as part of a medical plan. Three of the four patients experienced a doubling of visual acuity after HBOT, and the fourth patient experienced a four-fold improvement of visual acuity. Bojic L., Gosovic S., Kovacecic H., and Denoble P. Hyperbaric Oxygenation in the Treatment of Macular Degeneration. Split, Yugoslavia: Split Naval Medical Institute, pp. 1-4.
If you are interested in a complimentary HBOT consultation, be sure to schedule a time with one of our professionals here.