If you’re looking into doing hyperbaric oxygen therapy because you perhaps have a non-healing wound, thermal burn, or maybe chronic pain, you are on the right track. HBOT is excellent at speeding up the healing of many kinds of wounds. As with any medical treatment, it’s a good idea to consider the potential hyperbaric oxygen side effects.
The good news is that there are only a few mild and temporary hyperbaric oxygen side effects, and these will be discussed with you before you consent to the treatment. At R3 Wound Care and Hyperbarics, you will be in the safe hands of our certified hyperbaric medical professionals. Rest assured that the treatment plan you receive is individually prepared for you, and our medical professionals closely monitor each session. If during the course of your treatment, you notice any issues about the way you feel, you just have to let your technician know.
What are the side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
- Barotrauma of the ear or lung, from the air pressure
- Temporary change in vision
- Temporary lightheadedness
- Temporary fatigue
- Temporary low blood sugar
- Although it’s extremely rare, patients with underlying brain or lung disorders may experience oxygen toxicity seizures and pressure injury to the lungs
If any of these HBOT side effects don’t go away or seem to worsen, we will consult with your primary doctor.
Benefits of HBOT Treatment
Activating the body’s natural healing processes and reviving damaged tissue are the most significant benefits of HBOT sessions. Because HBOT treatment is non-invasive, it helps to heal wounds quickly. HBOT treatment also helps our bodies to produce energy and function properly, thanks to the amounts of oxygen the body receives.
Here is a list of some other benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
- Decreased Edema: Because HBOT stimulates better circulation, it decreases swelling.
- Tissue Hyperoxygenation: When tissue becomes hyper oxygenated through HBOT treatment, it becomes saturated with the oxygen that can stimulate healing.
- Antibacterial Activity: Antibacterial activity increases as soon as the body is flooded with oxygen through a treatment such as HBOT.
- Increased Angiogenesis: Angiogenesis is the function of creating new blood vessels, which is very important. Without this, tissue can’t survive or undergo repair.
- Synergy with Antibiotics: HBOT maximizes the effects of antibiotics by optimizing oxygen levels in the body and boosting leukocytes to kill dangerous bacteria.
- Stimulate Growth Factors: The growth factors in blood platelets are activated with HBOT treatment.
What to Expect at R3 Wound Care and Hyperbarics
The wound care specialists at our clinic will work to assess each patient and then recommend the right treatment plan for them based on their condition. As a patient at R3 Wound Care & Hyperbarics, you’ll receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a private setting with the latest hyperbaric technology where you’ll be able to hear and speak to your treatment team, who will be monitoring you throughout the procedure.
The treatment is painless, although you may experience a sensation of pressure in your ears, very similar to the sensation you feel in an airplane while descending. During your hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment, you can sleep, watch TV, listen to music or relax.
Each of our eight clinic locations has state of the art equipment, skilled wound care specialists, and a comfortable atmosphere. At R3 Wound Care & Hyperbarics, our primary function is wound care treatment, and we are independent of any hospital. You don’t even need a referral from a doctor to make an appointment or receive treatment (unless you have an HMO).
If you’d like to give HBOT a try, give us a call at 817-337-6604, fill out our online form, or find out more on our website.