The air we breathe consists of 21% oxygen, however, when oxygen is used at a high pressure level which is more than the atmosphere, it is known as hyperbaric medicine. It uses 100% oxygenated air to treat various medical conditions. It is also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

It includes types of chambers, the first one is a long tube similar to an MRI machine which is pressurized with 100% oxygen slowly. Another chamber is like a room in which two persons can fit in at one time. In this treatment, patients can breathe pure oxygen by using a mask.

Types of Hyperbaric Medicine

It is of two types which depend on compressing gases and these are as follows:-

1. Hyperbaric Air

It consists of compressed air with includes 21% oxygen, 79% nitrogen and other minor gases. Such an environment is created for the patient by putting them into a large inflatable pressure bag. This is known as a portable hyperbaric air chamber with a foot-operated or electric air pump. It increases the pressure of air which includes oxygen and nitrogen.

2. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

It involves breathing of pure oxygen at higher pressure than normal air pressure. It consists of equipment which is known as pressure for human occupancy or PVHO. It helps to treat chronic wounds and other medical conditions rapidly that do not heal.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Hyperbaric Medicine?

There are following conditions which are treated such as damaged tissue occurred by chronic and non-healing conditions and these are mentioned below:-

Bone infection
Foot and legs wound due to diabetes
Skin wounds
Thermal burns
Reduced blood flow in the arteries
Serious bacterial infection in the soft tissues such as flesh-eating disease
Injury caused by radiation therapy
Severe anaemia
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Compromised skin graft
Decompression sickness
Air embolism when air gets trapped in a blood vessel

Does Hyperbaric Medicine Cause Any Risk?

Yes, this therapy poses some risks which are as follows:-

It causes middle ear injuries like pain in the ears, hemorrhage and rupture of the eardrum.
If lungs breathe extra oxygen it causes oxygen toxicity.
Those individuals who undergo 20 treatments per day then there are chances between 20% and 40% to experience nearsightedness for a short duration.
In some cases this therapy causes seizures, convulsions and fainting.
Enclosed spaces cause irrational fear which triggers claustrophobia, such as panic attack.
It is postnasal drainage of mucus from the back of your throat which causes sinus congestion like stuffy nose, runny nose and sinus headache.

Procedure of Hyperbaric Medicine

It includes hyperbaric oxygen treatment in which medically oxygen is used at higher pressure than atmospheric pressure. This pressurized oxygen is used to increase the level of oxygen in the body. Procedure of hyperbaric medicine in detail is mentioned below:-

a) Before Procedure

Before starting the therapy, your doctor will assess some factors such as an individual’s age and health condition like implanting any device like pacemaker. This information will help to know how long it will last and how many sessions it will require.

Now you will be taken to a sterile room and have to change your clothes with a sterile gown. All metal accessories, electronic device will be kept outside because these metallic devices can cause spark and fire in such an environment where oxygen level is high. It takes a few hours and you can carry a water bottle.

b) During Procedure

This procedure is done in a special chamber. It can be a monoplace chamber in which a single person can lie during the treatment. Another is a multiplace chamber for more than one individual and a person can get this treatment by using a special mask.

Now the chamber’s door will close and you may hear the hissing sound of filling the chamber with oxygen. While filling the chamber the pressure will rise slowly.

You will feel your ears get clogged which is quite similar while flying in an airplane. It can be unclogged by swallowing, yawning etc.

During the treatment you can enjoy listening to music, watching TV, playing cards and reading books or magazines. Your doctor will be with you throughout the process.

c) After Procedure

At the end, the pressure inside the chamber will be decreased by a healthcare provider. It will help your body to adjust to the pressure outside the chamber.

After removing the mask, your vital signs will be monitored like blood pressure, glucose level and pulse. Once the doctor will determine your stability then you will be allowed to go home.