FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT) WORK?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. It is used for a wide variety of treatments usually as a part of an overall medical care plan.
Under normal circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body only by red blood cells. With HBOT, oxygen is dissolved into the plasma. In this way, extra oxygen can reach all the damaged tissues and the body can support its own healing process. The increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas. It is a simple, non-invasive, and painless treatment.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HBOT?
It has long been known that healing many areas of the body cannot take place without appropriate oxygen levels in the tissue. Most illnesses and injuries occur and often linger, at the cellular or tissue level. In many cases, such as: circulatory problems; non-healing wounds; and strokes, adequate oxygen cannot reach the damaged area and the body’s natural healing ability is unable to function properly. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides this extra oxygen naturally and with minimal side effects.
Many conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and chronic fatigue have responded favorably to HBOT.
HOW DO I KNOW OXYGEN THERAPY IS WORKING? HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE I START TO SEE CHANGES IN MY CONDITION?
The time it takes to see results are dependent upon the condition being treated and the individual. Some conditions may see desired results within a few treatments while other conditions may require more treatments.
WHAT CONDITIONS, INJURIES, OR INDICATIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY?
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COME IN FOR A CONSULT?
In general, the following events will occur:
- You will be seen by the hyperbaric physician who will perform a history and physical. He will determine if hyperbaric treatments are appropriate for you, order any necessary tests, and discuss the treatment options.
- If you are being seen because of a chronic wound, a detailed evaluation will be performed, and pictures will be taken to help judge the progress of treatment.
IS HBOT SAFE?
Safety is an important part of HBOT. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is prescribed by a physician and performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks like all medical treatments, overall hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe. The risks will be discussed with you before you sign your consent form for therapy.
HOW SHOULD PATIENTS PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?
Only clean cotton clothing is allowed in the chamber which is provided. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs, or jewelry are allowed in the chamber. The technician needs to know if any medications, including nonprescription drugs that are being taken by the patient, and patients are advised not to take alcohol or carbonated drinks for four hours prior to treatment. In most cases, patients should give up smoking and any other tobacco products during their treatment period, as they interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY TREATMENT?
There are several stages during a typical treatment (or dive).
- The first stage is compression (or diving) in which the chamber is pressurized to the prescribed pressure (or depth), most commonly 2.0 to 2.4 atmospheres absolute (the equivalent of 33 feet to 45 feet below the surface of the ocean).
- The chamber is maintained at this pressure (depth) and the patient breaths 100 percent oxygen.
- After the oxygen periods are finished, the chamber is depressurized (or surfaced) and the treatment is finished.
HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT LAST?
A typical treatment generally lasts two hours. Of course, treatments can sometimes take longer, especially if patients have difficulty clearing their ears during the pressurization phase.
WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT FEEL LIKE?
Very comfortable. The treatment is painless and non-invasive. During the first and the last 10 minutes of the treatment (pressurization and depressurization), you may feel your ears pressurize like what you might experience in an airplane during take-off or landing. Your technician can teach you certain techniques that allow you to equalize the pressure in your ear(s) and help with any discomfort during these brief pressurization periods, such as the Valsalva and jaw thrust maneuvers.
WHAT DO I DO WHILE IN THE CHAMBER?
You simply lay or recline in one of our private chambers where pure odorless 100% medical grade oxygen is administered throughout the entire chamber. During your treatment, you can watch a movie, TV series, listen to music, meditate, or sleep. It’s a great time to unwind and relax.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED, AND HOW OFTEN?
The number and frequency of treatments needed varies with the specific condition that is being treated. For many chronic conditions, one treatment a day (Monday through Friday) is given for a total of 20 to 60 treatments, usually a total of four to twelve weeks.
ARE THERE ANY HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY SIDE EFFECTS?
The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. To minimize this risk, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression or tubes may be inserted in the ears. Occasionally some patients may experience changes in their vision during their treatment period. These changes are usually minor and temporary. A rare side effect is oxygen toxicity which is caused by administering too much oxygen.
WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE TECHNICIAN NEED TO KNOW FROM THE PATIENT PRIOR TO HBOT?
- If you have any cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion.
- If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.
- If there has been a change in any of your medications.
- If you have skipped a meal prior to your HBO treatment.
- If you are diabetic and did not take your insulin prior to your treatment.
- If you have any concerns or anxiety.
DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION FOR HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY?
Yes, a prescription is required for HBOT. You will meet with our doctor for a consultation to determine if your condition may benefit from HBOT. After a prescription is written, a series of specified treatments can be scheduled. The patient will be assessed prior to treatment and will be asked (or their caregiver) to keep a treatment diary to document their progress and assist in the development of future treatment plans.
HOW ARE PATIENTS REFERRED FOR TREATMENT?
Patients are accepted either by self-referral or by physician referral. Patients are evaluated by our staff and treated based on their specific needs. To schedule an evaluation, please call us at 352-775-2055
Curelogics Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center does not require a referral unless the Patient’s insurance requires one. You can simply call to make an appointment. This center accepts multiple types of insurance and has self-pay options.