For Patients

> How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) work?
> What conditions does HBO2 treat?
> What happens during a treatment?

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) work?

The delivery of 100 percent pure oxygen greatly increases the amount of oxygen delivered to body tissues by your blood. It is important to note that the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy result from an oxygen-enriched bloodstream and not from the oxygen’s direct contact with wounds. This is why wound dressings are usually left in place during treatment. Your hyperbaric physician will discuss the specific reason for your referral to hyperbaric therapy, but generally this treatment provides one or more of the following effects:

• Enhanced wound healing
• Increased oxygen delivery to injured tissue
• Improved infection control
• Greater blood vessel formation
• Preservation of damaged tissues
• Elimination and reduced effects of toxic substances
• Reduction or elimination of gas-bubble obstructions

What conditions does HBO2 treat?
 

• Certain non-healing wounds (post surgical or diabetic)
• Necrotizing fasciitis
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Decompression sickness
• Severe infection by anaerobic bacteria (such as gas gangrene)
• Air or gas embolism
• Severe uncorrected anemia
• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
• Enhancement of healing wound problems
• Sports injuries
• Radiation injury

What happens during a treatment?

You will be placed in a comfortable hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The chamber is then pressurized with 100 percent pure oxygen. During a treatment you’ll feel no differently than if you were lying in your own bed. You can listen to music, watch TV/movies or nap throughout the therapy.

During certain parts of the treatment, you may experience a sensation of fullness in your ears (similar to when you’re flying in an airplane or driving down a mountain) as your eardrums respond to pressure changes. Prior to treatment, you will be taught several easy methods to avoid ear discomfort.

For more information on hyperbaric oxygen therapy, download our patient brochure, or ask your doctor if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is right for you.