Frequently Asked Questions...
What is the treatment like?
Before starting your treatment, you change into a cotton gown and
remove your shoes. You will then enter the chamber and get
comfortable either fully or partly reclining. As the treatment begins,
you feel a pressure on your ears, much like that of being in an
airplane. It is important to clear your ears constantly during this
time. As the pressure increases it gets a little warmer, but is never
uncomfortable. If the pressure is uncomfortable or builds up too
fast, you may simply notify the technician and it can be slowed
down. When the treatment pressure is reached, you just sit back
and relax. You can read, take a nap, or use the entertainment
system. It's a good idea to drink some water during the
pressurization and treatment, and this can help the young ones
clear their ears. When the treatment ends, the air becomes cooler
and mist forms during this time as well. The overall experience is
quite pleasant, and most children find it to be fun and exciting.
How can I prepare for my treatment to maximize its benefits ?
Patients are advised to not take carbonated drinks or alcohol for at
least 4 hours prior to the treatment. Also they should not smoke
during their program. Both these interfere with the body's ability to
absorb oxygen. This would be an excellent time if you plan to quit smoking, as we have a program to rid the
body of the chemical store of toxins that accumulate over the years. No metal whatsoever is allowed inside
the chamber - this includes watches, jewelry etc.... As well, patients must remove their shoes before the
session.
How is HBOT Administered ?
HBOT Treatments are called “Dives” and are similar to the changes the body goes thru when scuba diving
at depths below sea level, or atmospheres. When scuba diving, 33 feet below the surface is equal to one
atmosphere and 66 feet equals two atmospheres.
A patient undergoing HBOT dives spends a prescribed amount of time in one of several types of enclosed
delivery units: (A) Monoplace, which are cylindrical, body-length chambers, or (B) Multi-Person Chambers,
which can accommodate multiple adults. In each type of unit, pure oxygen is administered while
atmospheric pressure is increased, and controlled under closely monitored conditions.
HBOT dives, prescribed by the attending physician for each patient’s particular needs, consist of the
following measures: (1) Pressure (one to three atmospheres absolute), (2) Duration of each dive (60-120
minutes), and (3) Frequency of dives.
HBOT is non-invasive and painless, and side effects are rare and minimal. Few patients report slight
discomfort from ear pressure, similar to that experienced during air travel. During a dive, the patient can
rest comfortably, listen to music, or watch TV/DVDs.
There is no recovery period with HBOT, so patients can resume their daily activities immediately. As
overnight stays are not required, all dives are on an outpatient basis.
The dives are monitored by Certified Hyperbaric Technicians and patients can communicate easily with
staff outside the chamber throughout the dive. The canopy of the chamber is clear to provide the patient
full visibility of all the surroundings thereby preventing any anxious feelings of being enclosed or
claustrophobia.
The preparation process the patient must go thru prior to a dive is very simple but absolutely essential to
the dive taking place. Each patient must have a shower before arriving for a dive, and must have no
deodorants, no shampoo, cream rinse, no body lotions, and nothing applied to the skin or hair after the
shower until after the dive. The patient must wear a gown of only natural cotton fiber during the dive. We
will provide the gown.
What does the hyperbaric technician/attendant need to know from you ?
Please inform the attendant if:
- You experience a cold, flu symptoms, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion
- There is a possibility you may be pregnant
- Your medications have changed
- You have skipped a meal prior to HBO treatment
- You are a diabetic and did not take your insulin prior to treatment
- You have any concerns or anxiety
Also inform the attendant if the pressure is too great for your ears. Rarely, people experience difficulty
adjusting to an increased atmospheric pressure. If your ears hurt, inform the attendant immediately and
he/she can stop or slow down the rate of pressurization until you are comfortable.
Why haven't I heard of this ?
While centers around the world are demonstrating excellent results with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, some
doctors are not yet familiar with the physical properties which apply to oxygen under pressure. It is a
growing, yet not fully established subject in medical schools. There is a lack of information among doctors,
and it is characteristic of the medical profession to be conservative. If a doctor should become interested,
he or she must spend a considerable amount of time and effort to search the medical literature and to
become educated in a new field of medicine.
When is HBOT not advisable ?
- If a patient has upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis or sinus problems
- If a patient has a high fever
- If a patient has severe emphysema or other breathing problem
- If a patient has a lower than normal seizure threshold
What are the possible Side Effects of HBOT ?
- Ear and sinus discomfort
- Temporary worsening of near-sightedness (Myopia). It is important to remember this is temporary and
vision typically returns to its pre-treatment level about six weeks after cessation of therapy
DISCLAIMER: This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. Anyone who wishes to embark on any medical program intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult with a qualified physician