Q- What is hyperbaric oxygen
therapy?
Ans- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical
treatment in which the patient is enclosed in a pressure chamber breathing 100%
pure oxygen (O2) at greater than one atmosphere pressure. There have been
anecdotal reports showing dramatic relief of sickle cell crisis with hyperbaric
oxygen. Original work done at Duke University showed that sickle cell forms of
the erythrocyte were markedly reduced under hyperbaric conditions. However,
there has been no large-scale study to confirm its overall usefulness
clinically.
Q- How does hyperbaric oxygen
therapy help?
Ans- During HBO due to higher pressure the Oxygen
dissolves more in the liquid part of blood (plasma) and its level increases
10-20 times of normal level. This oxygen reaches all areas of the body –those
places also where it was not reaching earlier due to inadequate blood supply or
less haemoglobin.
Q- What is the purpose of
treatment?
Ans- In most instances HBOT is "adjunctive
therapy" that is, it is used as part of a total treatment plan to improve
outcomes. HBOT is not a "cure all" but a part of your total medical
or surgical care.
Q- Are
any tests needed before my treatments?
Ans- A doctor trained in hyperbaric medicine will examine
you before your treatments begin. You may need to have a few tests to make sure
it is safe to expose you to oxygen under pressure. These tests include:
1.
Check of ears for ability to equalize
pressure
2.
Check of lungs i.e. chest x-ray and /
or pulmonary function tests
3.
Blood tests
4.
An eye examination (if you will be
receiving a long series of treatments.
5.
Any other tests depending on your
general state of health eg. ECG.
Q- How
do I prepare for my treatment?
Ans- Please follow these
guidelines:
·
Do not drink alcohol for at least 8
hours before your treatment.
·
Do not use skin products that have
alcohol or petroleum in them (hair spray, most cosmetics, oils, creams). You
can apply these after the treatment session.
·
You can wear only 100% cotton
(including undergarments) when inside the chamber.
·
Check with your doctor if you are to
stop any of your medication.
·
Remove your Watch, Dentures, Hearing
aid, Jewellery, Contact lens, Other prostheses
·
The hospital will provide lockers for
your belongings. Do not bring any valuables.
·
Bring a book with you.
These Items are not allowed inside the treatment area:
·
Synthetic garments, nylon, rayon,
etc.
·
Vaseline or oil based products like
lipsticks, hair oil, hair spray, make-up, some skin lotion, or glycerine.
·
Cigarettes, lighters, or matches
·
Newspaper or loose leaf paper
·
Hearing aids and other electronic
devices
·
Cellular phones or battery operated
items
You May Take In:
·
One book or a magazine.
·
If you have doubt about what can be
carried in to the chamber, please ask.
Q- What about my medications?
Ans-There is no need to disrupt your medication routine
because of HBOT treatments. Bring your medications with you when you come. If
you have to have shots or IV medications our nursing staff can help you.
You Need To Know This About
Smoking....
·
The purpose of HBOT is to deliver
high doses of oxygen to your body through your blood. Smoking inhibits this
oxygen delivery in the following ways. We strongly advise you to stop smoking
during the entire period of hyperbaric therapy, continuing to smoke during your
treatment period will make your therapy less effective.
·
The smoke inhibits oxygen uptake in
the Lungs.
·
Most important, the nicotine in
cigarettes narrows the diameter of the blood vessels. This greatly reduces the
amount of blood that can reach your tissues.
·
Smoking increases lung congestion and
risk of complications.
·
Smoking decreases the amount of
oxygen that your blood carries.
Do not smoke while receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Smoking is not permitted in the Hyperbaric Unit.
We need to know if…
·
You get a cold, the flu, nasal or
chest congestion
·
There is any possibility you may be
pregnant
·
You develop diarrhoea
·
You develop nausea or vomiting
·
You develop an ear or sinus infection
·
You change medications
·
You have not eaten breakfast
·
You are diabetic and didn't take your
insulin
·
Anytime you have a concern
You develop an ear or sinus infection
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