HBOT is a unique medical treatment that utilizes 98% pure oxygen inside a high-pressure environment. The high-pressure spaces are usually in the form of special chambers. This treatment combines pure oxygen and increased atmospheric pressure to step up oxygen concentrations that will be delivered to all the vital organs in the body.
The concept behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT is simple – the body tissues and cells get exposed to a higher amount of oxygen, unlike what is obtainable during standard atmospheric pressure. The increased oxygen supply promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and enhances the body’s natural recovery processes.
How Safe is HBOT?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Unfortunately, most of the people who doubt the safety of HBOT only have very limited knowledge of the subject.
The truth about HBOT is that it is only meant to be administered within a safe and controlled environment. The patient has to enter a hyperbaric chamber, which is normally fitted with several safety features.
Hyperbaric chambers are designed to replicate environments with increased pressure. This is very similar to what you get when you travel deep beneath the earth’s surface, where pressure is higher. The same thing is also applicable when you move to greater heights.
When people are admitted into the high-pressure spaces, they inhale a higher concentration of oxygen. They suck in the oxygen via their masks. That makes it possible for the user’s tissues to take in a higher volume of oxygen than they would have done under normal conditions.
HBOT is totally safe when it is administered and supervised by healthcare professionals who have accreditations in the area of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Is HBOT A New Therapy?
I totally understand if you are unsure about exposing yourself to HBOT because you think it is a new therapy or treatment. People are very reluctant to try new things. That stance is even more rampant for medically related adventures because it has to do with life and death.
Well, I am glad to announce to you that HBOT usage did not start today. The application of HBOT for treating several health issues has been in existence for a long time. HBOT has been a famous treatment method for remedying radiation injury, chronic wounds, decompression sickness, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
HBOT is quickly gaining momentum as a way of treating neurological disorders. There are a number of other upcoming applications that can also benefit from HBOT. The popularity of HBOT will continue to increase steadily because of the negligible side effects and positive results.
The effect of HBOT on the various people using it differs significantly. The manner of application may vary from one user to another. This could be the mere reason some people are disappointed with the therapy. Perhaps, that’s why some people complain about not getting the results they desire. It is highly recommended that undergoing HBOT should be under the strict guidance of a medical expert.
The Different Types of HBOT Chambers
There is no hyperbaric oxygen therapy outside HBOT chambers. Everything about HBOT goes on inside the chamber. As stated earlier, HBOT chambers represent a controlled environment where users are exposed to high oxygen concentrations under increased atmospheric conditions.
HBOT structures come in different shapes and sizes. They exist in various designs, too. HBOT can be in private-sized chambers or other big sizes that can accommodate more than one person. They are mostly seen in clinical environments. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers have a cylinder shape in general.
They are built with transparent walls to enable the user to see what is going on within their environment. That feature also gives a professional the chance to monitor the user inside the chamber. HBOT chambers are fitted with certain devices to help regulate the amount of pressure inside. These devices help to ensure that the chambers remain in safe conditions.
The user’s body eventually interacts with more oxygen when they access the chamber. What you should understand is that the pressure can be regulated to remain at safe levels. Basically, there are two types of HBOT chambers – Monoplace Chambers and Multiplace Chambers.
Precautions and Safety Measures inside HBOT Chambers
- You are advised to use certified facilities only. Experienced and qualified HBOT professionals usually man such HBOT facilities. That is how effective and safe treatment can be achieved.
- The HBOT chamber interior is an oxygen-rich environment. Bringing in anything flammable should be avoided so as not to cause any explosions.
- People do not just jump into a hyperbaric oxygen therapy unit. Instead, they have to be properly assessed before they can be admitted. The evaluation tests usually define how their therapy is administered.
- It is not the best to leave patients alone inside an HBOT chamber. They ought to be under some strict type of supervision and monitoring. That helps to ensure that the individual remains in a healthy state.
- Whoever is monitoring the chamber for you should explain how you can equalize the pressure inside the chamber at all times. It is very important to ensure the pressure never falls below or increases beyond the safe values.
The Experience Inside The Chamber
The experience inside the hyperbaric chamber can vary depending on the type of chamber, the condition being treated, and individual preferences. These factors will determine the user’s experience inside the chamber;
- Some users prefer to keep their communication channels with their supervisors open throughout their sessions.
- HBOT puts you in a relaxing mode because all the necessary items to ensure comfort are inside the unit.
- The duration of each session varies according to different factors. One session can last between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
- Users may experience slight pressure changes. Knowing about this helps you prepare for those changes.
Final Words
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides an excellent opportunity to treat several health issues. This post has highlighted that HBOT is safe experienced and certified healthcare professionals administer it. HBOT employs a simple concept of combining increased pressure and high concentration of oxygen to produce results.
