What To Expect
What to Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT) Therapy | Fayetteville, NC
What To Expect During Your Treatment
(HBO) therapy is a medical treatment in which the entire body is exposed to increased atmospheric pressure while the patient breathes 100% oxygen.
The breathing of oxygen while in a pressurized environment stimulates the body mechanisms to promote healing.
There is very little sensation while undergoing HBO therapy. During pressurization, you will get a “fullness” buildup in your ears as a result of the pressure change. This feeling is similar to diving down to the bottom of a swimming pool, driving through the mountains or flying in a plane. The technician will show you how to relieve this fullness so that you can avoid discomfort during your treatment.
Hyperbaric Oxygen
Therapy Begin?
Once the treatment begins, you will hear a hissing sound as the chamber pressurizes. You may also notice a temporary increase in temperature during this compression. A technician will adjust the rate of compression according to your tolerance and coach you on relieving the full sensation in your ears. The compression phase of the treatment generally lasts about 10-15 minutes, depending upon how effective you are in clearing the pressure in your ears.
Once you are at the prescribed pressure in the chamber, your ear pressure sensation will go away. You should feel absolutely normal at this time. You may watch television, listen to music, sleep or just rest during the remainder of the treatment. You can expect treatments to usually last about two (2) hours.
At the end of your treatment, the pressure will gradually decrease over a period of 10-15 minutes. During this decompression, you will experience a popping sensation in your ears as a result of the decreasing pressure. This popping is a normal adjustment of pressure inside your ears.
What Is The
Purpose Of Hyperbaric Therapy Treatment?
- A generalized constriction of blood vessels that decreases edema or swelling.
- Activation of the immune system to fight and kill bacteria.
- Stimulation of cells to rebuild tissues and enhance healing.
- Inactivation of toxins produced by bacteria.
- The rebuilding of small blood vessels, such as capillaries.
- Enhanced stem cell release.
- Helps to clear infections in bones and rebuild new bone.
After Hyperbaric Therapy?
Generally, you experience no after-effects from HBO therapy, however, some patients report a crackling sensation in their ears between treatments. This may be relieved in the same manner as clearing your ears during compression. If the crackling should continue, please report this to the staff. Additionally, some patients report feeling light headed for a few moments following treatment, but the episode is brief and the patients are soon able to continue with their normal daily activity. As with all medical procedures and treatments, there are some side effects that could result from exposure to hyperbaric oxygen. These are rare, but they will be discussed with you in detail before you sign your “Consent for Treatment” form.
Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy is a medical application, which is useful in the treatment of selected surgical and medical problems. HBO therapy can be used as a primary treatment modality for problems such as decompression sickness (the bends), or as adjunctive therapy to medicines and/or surgery, such as with skin grafts and problem wounds.
HBO therapy may be administered in either a large, steel cylinder called a multiplace chamber or an acrylic monoplace chamber. While in the chamber you will breathe 100% oxygen while subject to increased atmospheric pressure.
KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENTS:
Missing your scheduled appointments can compromise the success of your ongoing care. Follow-up appointments are essential so that you and your physician can assess the progress of your treatment plan. It is also essential that you continue the prescribed plan until the treatment goals you and your physician have agreed upon have been accomplished, and until you and your physician formally agree to end your treatment. If you find you cannot keep a future appointment call the facility as soon as you can to reschedule.
Visitors are welcome. Children will be required to remain in the reception area at all times. Tours may be conducted if prior arrangements have been made so we do not interfere with other patient’s treatments or their privacy. After visitors have seen the chambers they will be required to return to the reception area until your treatment is completed.
ITEMS ALLOWED IN CHAMBER:
- Drinking water.
- 100% cotton clothing.
ITEMS NOT ALLOWED IN CHAMBER:
- Synthetics, wool, silk.
- Oil based or petroleum products.
- Lipstick, make-up, nail polish, hair spray, lotion, or mousses.
- Hearing aids, beepers, radios, tape players, all electronic devices, pacemakers (external), cell phones.
- Non-pressurized watches, newspapers.
- Contact lenses (hard).
- Any items taken into the chamber must be approved by the technician.