There are a lot of myths out there about hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Some people think that it’s only for divers with the bends. Others think that it’s a cancer treatment. The truth is, HBOT can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, both serious and minor. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common myths about HBOT and set the record straight.
Myths
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is only for decompression sickness
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a widely used protocol for decompression sickness, a condition that can occur when scuba diving. However, HBOT is also effective for treating a variety of other conditions, including:
- Chronic wounds
- Burns
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Radiation injury
- Sports injuries
- Certain types of infections
In addition to its therapeutic benefits, HBOT is also used for research purposes. Studies have shown that HBOT can help improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. HBOT is also being investigated as a potential protocol for stroke and traumatic brain injury.
If you’re interested in learning more about HBOT, talk to your doctor or contact a local HBOT provider.
You can’t use hyperbaric oxygen therapy if you’re pregnant
If you’re pregnant, you may be wondering if you can use hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The answer is yes! Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and effective for many conditions, including those that occur during pregnancy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used to treat pregnant women for over 50 years.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions during pregnancy, including:
- Anemia
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)
- Diabetes
- Placental insufficiency
- Fetal distress syndrome
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also be used to improve healing after a Cesarean section or other surgery. If you’re pregnant and considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, be sure to consult with your doctor or midwife first. They can help you determine if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is right for you and your baby.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is dangerous and can cause seizures
HBOT is used to treat a variety of conditions, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and wounds that won’t heal. While HBOT is generally safe, there are some risks associated with the protocol. These risks include middle ear barotrauma, and sinus infections but none of these are seizures. However, you should let your doctor know if you have any medical conditions that may cause seizures before going for HBOT.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can only be used in a hospital setting
While HBOT is typically only available in hospital settings, there are now Oxyhelp monoplace chambers that can be used at home. These chambers are much smaller and less expensive than traditional hospital HBOT chambers, making them more accessible for people who need the protocol. Monoplace chambers are large enough to accommodate one person at a time, and they provide a safe and convenient way to receive HBOT. If you are considering using HBOT for your condition, make sure to talk to your doctor.
You have to be completely still while in the hyperbaric chamber
A common myth about hyperbaric oxygen therapy is that patients have to remain completely still during the session. While it is true that patients must remain lying down during HBOT sessions, they are not required to be completely still. Patients are encouraged to move around and change positions as needed to stay comfortable. The only time patients are required to be still is during the pressurization and depressurization process, which takes place at the beginning and end of each session.
Some chambers even provide you with a source of entertainment and allow you to exercise. This means you can keep your mind occupied and your body active during the session. Many patients find that they can actually sleep or rest comfortably during their sessions.
You can’t eat or drink anything while receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy
One of the common myths about HBOT is that you can’t eat or drink anything during the session. This is not true! You are welcome to have something to eat or drink before or after your HBOT session, but please avoid eating or drinking anything during the procedure. The reason for this is that if you were to vomit during HBOT, the vomit could become trapped in your mask and potentially pose a serious health risk.
So there you have it! You can have something to eat or drink before or after your HBOT session, but please avoid doing so during the actual procedure.
You will feel claustrophobic inside the chamber
One of the most common misconceptions about hyperbaric oxygen therapy is that it will make you feel claustrophobic inside the chamber, you can check this out this beautiful multiplace from Oxyhelp : https://oxyhelp.com/multiplace-hyperbaric-chamber/ . However, this is not the case. The chamber is quite spacious, and you will have plenty of room to move around and stretch out. You will also be able to see out through the clear walls of the chamber, so you will not feel like you are trapped inside.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a wonder treatment:
There’s no doubt that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be an effective protocol for a variety of conditions, including wounds that won’t heal and decompression sickness. However, one of the most popular myths about HBOT is that it is a “wonder treatment.” This is simply not true. HBOT is an effective tool for treating a variety of conditions, but it is not a cure-all. To receive the full benefit of HBOT, patients must be willing to commit to a course of sessions and follow their doctor’s instructions. There is no magic bullet when it comes to HBOT, but for those who are willing to put in the work, it can be an enormously helpful tool.
While Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is often heralded as a wonder treatment, some myths about it need to be dispelled. We’ve talked about some of the most common ones here, but if you have any other questions or want more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to help!
