Breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber is the basis of a medical treatment known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It has risen in prominence due to the hope it brings in treating various medical issues, such as burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and neurological diseases. However, like any medical intervention, the frequency of HBOT sessions should be carefully considered to ensure safety and effectiveness. In this blog, we will explore how often you can use hyperbaric oxygen therapy safely.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Before delving into the frequency of HBOT sessions, it’s crucial to understand how this therapy works. During HBOT, a patient is placed in a hyperbaric chamber pressurized with 100% pure oxygen. Due to the higher air pressure, the body can take in more oxygen, which speeds up the healing process and lessens the severity of problems like inflammation, infection, and tissue damage.

Frequency Of HBOT

Patients’ medical conditions, treatment objectives, and the advice of medical specialists all play a role in determining how often they need to undergo Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. If you’re wondering how often should you do hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it’s critical to talk to your doctor about your options for creating a schedule that works for you.

Here are some general guidelines regarding the frequency of HBOT:

Acute Conditions

For acute conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness (the bends), or certain infections, HBOT sessions may be administered more frequently. Daily or multiple sessions may be necessary in these cases until the acute symptoms improve or resolve.

Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions such as non-healing wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, or radiation-induced injuries often require a more extended treatment plan. HBOT sessions for chronic conditions are typically scheduled 2 to 5 times per week over several weeks or months. The exact duration and frequency depend on the specific situation and how the patient responds to the therapy.

Maintenance Therapy

Some patients may benefit from ongoing or maintenance HBOT sessions to manage chronic conditions or prevent recurrence. Maintenance therapy is usually scheduled less frequently, often once a week, or as the healthcare provider recommends.

Neurological Disorders

Individuals suffering from neurological conditions like traumatic brain injury or stroke may undergo sessions of HBOT. The frequency can vary, with some patients receiving daily sessions for a specific period and others receiving sessions a few times a week.

Diving-Related Injuries

In diving-related injuries, such as decompression sickness, the frequency and duration of HBOT sessions are determined by the severity of the symptoms. More severe cases may require more frequent sessions initially.

Individualized Treatment Plans

HBOT treatment plans are highly individualized. The healthcare provider will assess the patient’s response to therapy and adjust the frequency and duration of sessions as needed. This ensures that the treatment remains effective while minimizing potential risks.

Safe Hyperbaric Chamber Usage Guidelines

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) constitutes a medical intervention wherein individuals inhale pure oxygen within a chamber pressurized to a specific level. Adhering to secure usage protocols is imperative to guarantee this treatment’s efficacy and safety. Here are some important safety guidelines to consider:

Medical Supervision

HBOT should always be administered under the supervision of trained medical professionals, including hyperbaric medicine specialists. The treating physician will determine whether HBOT is appropriate for your condition and create a personalized treatment plan.

Comprehensive Assessment

Before starting HBOT, a thorough medical assessment is necessary. Your healthcare provider will assess your medical background, conduct physical examinations, and administer diagnostic assessments to ascertain that HBOT is a secure and appropriate therapeutic choice.

Patient Screening

Only some people are candidates for HBOT. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as severe respiratory problems, untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or specific cardiac issues, may not be suitable candidates for this therapy. It’s essential to undergo a thorough screening process to determine eligibility.

Treatment Goals

Clearly define the goals of HBOT with your healthcare provider. Understanding whether the therapy is intended as a primary treatment or adjunct to other therapies will help establish the appropriate treatment plan.

Pressure and Duration

The pressure inside the hyperbaric chamber and the duration of each session are carefully controlled based on your specific needs and the condition being treated. Typically, sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, with pressures ranging from 1.5 to 3 atmospheres absolute (ATA).

Monitoring

Trained personnel will continuously monitor you throughout the HBOT session. This monitoring ensures your safety and enables them to make adjustments during treatment.

Oxygen Compatibility

Patients must remove all flammable materials before entering the chamber, as oxygen supports combustion. Avoid using petroleum-based lotions, oils, or clothing containing synthetic materials that can ignite in an oxygen-rich environment.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited during and immediately before HBOT sessions due to the increased risk of fire and decreased effectiveness of the therapy.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Frequent HBOT Sessions?

Frequent hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions carry potential risks that necessitate thorough evaluation and vigilant oversight from healthcare experts. Some of the potential risks and complications of frequent HBOT sessions include:

Oxygen Toxicity

Breathing pure oxygen at elevated pressures for extended periods can lead to oxygen toxicity. This condition can manifest as nausea, dizziness, seizures, and lung problems. The risk of oxygen toxicity increases with higher pressures and longer treatment durations.

Barotrauma

Barotrauma pertains to injuries induced by alterations in pressure. It can affect various body parts, including the ears, sinuses, and lungs. Symptoms may include ear pain, sinus pain, and, in severe cases, lung injuries such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

Claustrophobia and Anxiety

The confined space of the hyperbaric chamber can be uncomfortable for some individuals, leading to claustrophobia and anxiety. Frequent sessions may exacerbate these feelings, making it challenging for some patients to complete the therapy.

Ear and Sinus Issues

Changes in pressure during HBOT can affect the ears and sinuses. Ear barotrauma can cause ear pain and damage to the eardrum, while sinus barotrauma can lead to sinus pain and discomfort.

Vision Changes

Some individuals may experience temporary vision changes, such as myopia (nearsightedness), during or after HBOT sessions. Once the treatment is complete, patients can usually reverse these changes.

Final Thoughts

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a valuable medical treatment that can relieve and heal various conditions. A medical professional should always determine the frequency of HBOT sessions based on the patient’s specific needs, the condition being treated, and overall health. Safety is paramount, and patients should closely follow the guidance of their healthcare providers to ensure the therapy’s effectiveness and minimize any potential risks. Always seek a healthcare professional’s advice when deciding on a treatment strategy.

Recommended Frequency for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?