Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment involving a chamber infused with pressurized oxygen.
In recent years, this treatment is gained momentum due to its potential healing powers and therapeutic benefits. However, like any treatment, many have grown concerned about the potential side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What exactly are the potential side effects? This article will explain the potential side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and provide tips for how to choose the best hyperbaric chamber for home use.
Potential Side Effects of HBOT
HBOT is a non-invasive treatment that has shown promise for treating various medical conditions and disorders.
For most patients, hyperbaric oxygen therapy presents little to no side effects. However, results may differ from person to person.
In rare cases, there might be the possibility of experiencing side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy during or after treatment.
The most common side effect, for example, is ear pressure problems. Additionally, some patients may experience feeling lightheaded for a few minutes following treatment. Commonly, these issues are experienced only briefly, and most can continue their normal daily activities.
Here are some of the most frequently reported hyperbaric oxygen therapy side effects:
- Ear Problems
The main side effect of hyperbaric chamber therapy reported is discomfort or ear pain due to increased air pressure.
This effect is like the one experienced in the mountains or during air travel.
It can be managed by swallowing, yawning, or using specialized earplugs during a hyperbaric treatment.
These ear problems can usually be classified as:
A) Ear Barotrauma
B) Sinus Congestion
C) Earache
D) Ruptured Eardrum (rare)
- Claustrophobia
This is another common hyperbaric oxygen therapy side effect. The enclosed HBOT chamber can trigger claustrophobia in some patients.
If you are prone to claustrophobia, inform the staff about your condition prior to starting treatment. If you get anxious during the treatment, the staff can help you exit the chamber and pause treatment.
- Fatigue
Patients may feel exhausted during or after their HBOT session. This is another common side effect that may last several hours up to a few days.
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Since the chamber is an enclosed device and low to the ground, patients may feel lightheaded while entering or exiting it.
Changes in the air pressure are another reason patients may experience dizziness.
- Temporary Vision Changes
Changes in air pressure have resulted in temporary visual changes in some. These changes typically resolve independently and revert to normal conditions within a few hours after therapy. These changes can include blurred vision and nearsightedness (myopia) caused by temporary eye lens changes.
More Serious Risks of HBOT
The above-discussed hyperbaric chamber side effects occur only temporarily. However, there are more threatening side effects of hyperbaric chamber therapy. Such as:
- Oxygen Toxicity
This dangerous condition is caused by overexposure to oxygen, and the higher concentration of oxygen inside the HBOT chamber may overload the lungs.
The occurrence of oxygen toxicity is rare, but if it happens, it can be severe, especially in patients with preexisting seizure disorders or hypoglycemia. If exposed for a longer duration, it may cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain, seizure, and even respiratory failure.
To control oxygen toxicity and related symptoms, stop treatment immediately and exit the chamber.
- Baro pneumothorax
Baro pneumothorax is a rare but potentially fatal hyperbaric chamber side effect. It occurs when air escapes the lungs and enters the space between them and the chest wall, causing the lungs to collapse.
The risk is higher in individuals with preexisting lung conditions such as emphysema or asthma.
The person may feel sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.
It is a rare side effect of HBOT; however, knowing the risks associated with HBOT treatment is essential.
- Fire Hazard
Another potential risk associated with HBOT treatment is the fire hazard. This may be due to the high concentration of oxygen used during the treatment.
The atmosphere inside the chamber can create a highly combustible environment without proper safety measures.
All HBOT chambers should be equipped with fire suppression systems, and patients are instructed not to wear synthetic clothing or carry accessories. It is best to discuss with your healthcare provider and HBOT or clinic personnel if you have any concerns regarding safety measures.
Who Might be at Higher Risk for Side Effects?
People with certain medical conditions are more prone to face hyperbaric chamber side effects. As a measure of caution, it is best to pre-inform your physician in your initial consultation.
- Acute upper respiratory infection or sinusitis
- Emphysema
- History of ear pain, injury, or surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Pneumothorax, unless treated with a Heimlich valve
- Dental injury or surgery
- Certain types of lung disease
- Seizure disorders
- Claustrophobia
- Any other preexisting medical conditions
How to Manage Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Side Effects?
Most of the side effects of hyperbaric chamber therapy are minor and temporary. Some of these are even predictable when the current health issues are examined.
It is best to discuss with your physician prior to the HBOT session to determine if you are at risk of any hyperbaric chamber side effects. This should help you take the necessary steps to prevent any side effects.
If you are at risk of low blood sugar side effects, the staff may ask you to consider treatment with a high blood sugar level.
Also, if you feel tired or fatigued after the treatment, the chamber personnel may recommend you take additional rest for a day or two to replenish your energy levels.
All in all, staff members can easily manage and treat most hyperbaric oxygen therapy side effects. They may reduce the oxygen and pressure levels to lessen the side effects.
If you start to experience pain or discomfort in the ears, certain ear-cleaning techniques can be applied during the treatment to adjust to the pressure in the chamber.
Wrapping Up
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is non-invasive and usually considered safe with minimal side effects. Most of the hyperbaric chamber side effects discussed are mild and last for a short time during or after treatment.
Discuss your preexisting medical condition with a certified hyperbaric professional to avoid potential risks.
Most patients handle the treatment very well and do their daily activities without being interrupted by HBOT treatment.
All HBOT facilities must be certified by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society. Put forth all your concerns or doubts about certifications, safety, precautions, etc., to the treatment center before starting your HBOT sessions.