#HBOT Treatment

[elixirwellness]

Unraveling Truths of HBOT Treatment in Mumbai

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT Treatment in Mumbai has become extremely popular lately because of its enormous benefits including treatment of many different illnesses. But with its popularity, some myths have also spread which leads to disbelief in the treatment. In this blog, we will explain some of these myths and share true facts about HBOT.

Myth 1: HBOT Treatment is Only for Deep-Sea Divers Fact: HBOT Treatment was first created to help divers who had problems after being deep underwater. However, it’s now used to treat many other health issues because of its vast benefits. For example, HBOT can help heal wounds that don’t heal easily including diabetic wounds, treat injuries from radiation and oncology treatment, and help people who have breathed in dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. It can also help those who want to recover post surgery, have hearing loss, are going through erectile dysfunction treatment, want to recover post workout or an athletic performance, or even just want to feel better and look brighter. The therapy works by giving your body pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, which helps all parts of your body heal faster. While divers still use HBOT, most other people can also benefit from this therapy.

Myth 2: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is Painful Fact: Some people think that HBOT hurts, but this isn’t true at all. During HBOT, you lie or sit in a comfortable chamber and breathe pure oxygen from a mask. The air pressure inside the chamber is higher than normal, but it doesn’t cause pain. The most discomfort you might feel is a popping sensation in your ears, similar to what you experience when an airplane takes off or lands. This happens because of the change in pressure. Many people find HBOT to be a relaxing experience, and some even fall asleep during the session. iPads can be taken in for entertainment if needed. Overall, it’s a very comfortable treatment.

Myth 3: HBOT Treatment is a Quick Fix for All Health Problems Fact: HBOT can be very effective for certain health problems, but it’s not an overnight magic cure. It often takes more than one session to see results, especially for long-term or serious conditions. For example, if someone has a wound that won’t heal, they might need multiple HBOT sessions before the wound gets better. Having realistic expectations and understanding that HBOT is usually part of a bigger treatment plan is important. Doctors often use it and other treatments to help patients recover better and faster.

Myth 4: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is Unsafe and Unregulated Fact: HBOT is a safe US FDA approved and well recognised and monitored treatment. It’s used in many hospitals and clinics around the world. The chambers used for HBOT are carefully designed and regularly checked to make sure they are working properly. During each session, trained medical professionals are always present to monitor the patient’s condition and ensure everything is going smoothly. Although there can be minor side effects, like discomfort in the ears, these are usually very mild and temporary. The risks of HBOT are very low, especially when compared to the benefits it can provide.

Myth 5: HBOT Treatment Has Negative Side Effects Fact: Like any medical treatment, HBOT Treatment does have some risks, but serious side effects are very rare. The most common side effect is ear discomfort, similar to what you might feel when flying in an airplane or diving underwater. This happens because of the changes in pressure inside the chamber. In general, most people tolerate HBOT very well and feel much better after their therapy sessions. It’s always important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have to fully understand the risks and benefits of the treatment.

Myth 6: Anyone Can Administer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Fact: HBOT should only be done by trained and certified medical professionals. The therapy uses special equipment and requires careful monitoring of the patient’s condition throughout the session. If HBOT is done incorrectly, it can lead to serious problems, like oxygen toxicity, where the body gets too much oxygen. This is why it’s important to have HBOT in a medical facility where experts are in charge. It’s not something you can do at home or with untrained people. Always make sure you are getting HBOT from a reputable place with professionals who know how to do it safely.

Conclusion Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a powerful medical treatment that can help with many health issues, but there are still some myths and misunderstandings about it. By learning the true facts, patients can make better decisions about their health and take full advantage of the benefits that HBOT offers. Always consult with a doctor to see if HBOT is the right choice for your condition. At Elixir Wellness, we have experienced doctors who would help you to understand your needs and guide you to the right course of treatment including HBOT.

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[aman-powai]

Best HBOT treatment clinic in mumbai

[punechelation1]

HBOT treatment oxygen therapy in Pune is a best non-surgical treatment for heart diseases, asthma & to enhance blood circulation in the body

https://punechelation.com/hbot-treatment/

[nexgenhyperbaricllc]

HBOT's Cutting-Edge Approach to Diabetic Foot Wound Treatment

Introduction:

In the realm of modern medical advancements, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a cutting-edge approach with immense potential in the field of diabetic foot wound treatment. With the year 2023 ushering in new possibilities and discoveries, it's crucial to delve into the latest insights regarding HBOT and its transformative impact on addressing diabetic foot wounds. Let us explore the key advancements, benefits, and implications of utilizing HBOT for diabetic foot wound care.

The Diabetic Foot Wound Challenge: A Growing Concern in 2023

The rising prevalence of diabetes worldwide has contributed to an increase in diabetic foot wounds, a complex issue that requires effective interventions. According to recent data from authoritative sources, diabetic foot ulcers affect millions globally, and the challenge is further exacerbated by potential complications such as infections and amputations.

HBOT Unveiled: A New Horizon in Diabetic Foot Wound Care

Amid this healthcare landscape, advanced wound care and hyperbaric medicine shines as a beacon of hope. HBOT involves the administration of pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, facilitating the delivery of oxygen to damaged tissues. Studies suggest that heightened oxygen levels can stimulate cellular repair, boost the immune system, and enhance blood flow to expedite wound healing. This approach has shown remarkable promise in addressing diabetic foot wounds. 

Embracing Innovation: HBOT's Unique Mechanism for Healing

How does HBOT work its magic on diabetic foot wounds? Within the hyperbaric chamber, patients experience an increased oxygen concentration, promoting the formation of new blood vessels and improved circulation to the wound site. This process aids in reducing inflammation, combating infection, and nurturing tissue regeneration, pivotal factors in diabetic foot wound recovery.

The 2023 Outlook: Integrating Science and Technology for Optimal Outcomes

This year, the integration of science and technology has paved the way for enhanced precision in administering HBOT. Advanced monitoring systems ensure that patients receive the right dosage of oxygen, while innovative hyperbaric chamber designs guarantee a comfortable and safe experience. These advancements amplify HBOT's effectiveness in treating diabetic foot wounds while minimizing potential risks.

The Path Forward: Empowering Patients with HBOT

As the year progresses, the medical community recognizes that empowering patients with knowledge is integral to their healing journey. HBOT not only offers a groundbreaking approach to diabetic foot wound treatment but also encourages patients to actively participate in their recovery. With its potential to expedite healing, prevent complications, and potentially reduce the need for invasive procedures, HBOT stands as a beacon of hope for individuals battling diabetic foot wounds.

Conclusion: Charting New Frontiers in Diabetic Foot Wound Care

In this era of medical innovation, HBOT's cutting-edge approach is redefining the landscape of diabetic foot wound treatment. The confluence of scientific understanding, technological advancements, and patient empowerment has led to a new chapter in healthcare, one where diabetic foot wounds are met with targeted solutions that foster healing and improve quality of life. As we progress through, the potential of HBOT offers a glimmer of hope for a healthier future for individuals navigating the challenges of diabetic foot wounds.

NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC

Hyperbaric Room, 2205 Cordillera Way, Edwards, CO 81632

+18885674302

[medirehab]

MediRehab offers tailored pain relief solutions for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis, joint pain, sports injuries, and migraines. With a team of experienced pain management specialists, the hospital uses advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to address the root causes of pain, helping patients regain mobility and comfort.

[treatnow]

Systematic review and dosage analysis: hyperbaric oxygen therapy efficacy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

Susan R. Andrews and Paul G. Harch Neuropsychological Services for Children and Adults, Metairie, LA, United States, Section of Emergency and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States Background: Studies of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome in military and civilian subjects have shown simultaneous improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD symptoms, suggesting that HBOT may be an effective treatment for PTSD. This is a systematic review and dosage analysis of HBOT treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Systematic Review Database were searched from September 18 to November 23, 2023, for all adult clinical studies published in English on HBOT and PTSD. Randomized trials and studies with symptomatic outcomes were selected for final analysis and analyzed according to the dose of oxygen and barometric pressure on symptom outcomes. Outcome assessment was for statistically significant change and Reliable Change or Clinically Significant Change according to the National Center for PTSD Guidelines. Methodologic quality and bias were determined with the PEDro Scale. Results: Eight studies were included, all with < 75 subjects/study, total 393 subjects: seven randomized trials and one imaging case-controlled study. Six studies were on military subjects, one on civilian and military subjects, and one on civilians. Subjects were 3-450 months post trauma. Statistically significant symptomatic improvements, as well as Reliable Change or Clinically Significant changes, were achieved for patients treated with 40-60 HBOTS over a wide range of pressures from 1.3 to 2.0 ATA. There was a linear dose-response relationship for increased symptomatic improvement with increasing cumulative oxygen dose from 1002 to 11,400 atmosphere-minutes of oxygen. The greater symptomatic response was accompanied by a greater and severe reversible exacerbation of emotional symptoms at the highest oxygen doses in 30-39% of subjects. Other side effects were transient and minor. In three studies the symptomatic improvements were associated with functional and anatomic brain imaging changes. All 7 randomized trials were found to be of good-highest quality by PEDro scale scoring. Discussion: In multiple randomized and randomized controlled clinical trials HBOT demonstrated statistically significant symptomatic improvements, Reliable Changes, or Clinically Significant Changes in patients with PTSD symptoms or PTSD over a wide range of pressure and oxygen doses. The highest doses were associated with a severe reversible exacerbation of emotional symptoms in 30-39% of subjects. Symptomatic improvements were supported by correlative functional and microstructural imaging changes in PTSD-affected brain regions. The imaging findings and hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects indicate that PTSD can no longer be considered strictly a psychiatric disease.  Read the full Review - Click :: HERE ::   The TreatNOW Mission is ending service member suicides. Along the way, we have learned that we can end suicidal ideation, help end symptoms of PTSD, and heal brain wounds to end the effects of BLAST injury, mild TBI Persistent Post Concussive Syndrome, and polytrauma. www.treatnow.org Heal Brains. Stop Suicides. Restore Lives. TreatNOW Information provided by TreatNOW.org does not constitute a medical recommendation. It is intended for informational purposes only, and no claims, either real or implied, are being made.   Read the full article

[potenzawellness]

Treatments with Holistic approach and Rejuvenating Experience

A Hybrid Wellness Clinic that brings the latest technology from the United States and Europe to India, offering BEAUTY, PAIN MANAGEMENT, and LONGEVITY under one roof. Our treatment protocols are based on extensive research from various studies and are designed to drive value to clients.

[socalbrainandspinecenter]

Breathing New Life HBOT Oxygen therapy near Glendale CA Services Available

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) near Glendale, CA, could be the solution. Discover the benefits of HBOT, how it works, and where to access these services nearby. Explore the transformative potential of HBOT oxygen therapy near Glendale CA for your well being.

Understanding HBOT:

HBOT entails inhaling pure oxygen within a chamber that's pressurized. This helps your body absorb more oxygen than usual, which can promote healing and wellness.

Benefits of HBOT:

Faster Healing:

HBOT can speed up your body's natural healing processes, making it great for wounds, injuries, and recovery after surgery. Reduced Swelling: By delivering oxygen to areas with inflammation, HBOT can help decrease swelling and pain from conditions like arthritis and sports injuries.

Better Brain Function:

Increased oxygen levels can improve your thinking and memory, making HBOT helpful for conditions like stroke and brain injuries. Stronger Immune System: HBOT supports your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections and sickness.

Overall Wellness:

Many people feel refreshed and energized after HBOT sessions, even if they don't have any specific health issues. Services Available Near Glendale: Several places near Glendale offer HBOT services tailored to your needs. These services typically include:

Consultations with experts to figure out the best HBOT plan for you. Comfortable and safe hyperbaric chambers for your sessions. Friendly staff to guide you through the process and answer your questions. Adaptable scheduling choices to accommodate your hectic lifestyle.

Choosing a Provider:

Make sure to choose a trustworthy HBOT provider near Glendale. Look for places that focus on patient care, have trained professionals, and keep their facilities clean and safe.

Conclusion:

HBOT is a promising way to boost your health and wellness. With services available near Glendale, you have access to a natural approach to healing and rejuvenation. Whether you're recovering from an injury or just want to feel better overall, HBOT could be the solution you've been looking for.

[halohyperbarics]

We do so by offering a variety of services to help all of our clients achieve healthier bodies and minds.Halo Hyperbarics & Healing we focus on helping clients improve their health, and teach them tools to ensure they can maintain it too.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved on our archive

Some interesting science analyzed

BY BROOKS LEITNER

Imagine lying back in an enclosed chamber where you bask for 90 minutes in a sea of pure oxygen at pressures two to three times that felt at sea level. This is the world of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a technology that’s been around for decades and is now being explored as a possible treatment for Long COVID.

"The silence on the inside is deafening at first,” says John M.,* who has undergone dozens of HBOT treatments for his persistent Long COVID symptoms. Fortunately, there is a television outside the chamber in view, and it is easy to communicate with the provider if needed. While the potential protocol is still being refined, patients may undergo up to 40 HBOT sessions to address some of the most problematic, lingering symptoms of this complex condition.

HBOT is a therapeutic process that has been widely used to treat such conditions as decompression sickness in scuba divers, carbon monoxide poisoning, and diabetic foot ulcers. In HBOT, the body is exposed to 100% oxygen, a significant increase from the 21% oxygen concentration we typically breathe. The therapy takes place in an enclosed chamber where the air pressure is elevated above normal levels. The combination of high-pressure and high-oxygen conditions enhances the amount of oxygen that can reach the body's tissues. The hope is that this therapy can provide the same relief and healing to people with Long COVID that it does for those with other conditions.

According to John M., HBOT was the first treatment that helped with his sleep and reduced his heart palpitations. “At one point after hospitalization, my Long COVID symptoms were so bad that I could barely walk or talk. HBOT was a great tool that really assisted with my recovery,” he said. John added that he hopes the medical community will achieve a better understanding of how HBOT can help relieve suffering for patients with Long COVID and that more research will increase access to this innovative therapy.

Does HBOT improve Long COVID symptoms? One key observation from the work of Inderjit Singh, MBChB, an assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) specializing in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, is that Long COVID patients often experience debilitating fatigue. Based on Dr. Singh’s previous Long COVID research, the exhaustion is thought to be linked to the muscles’ inability to efficiently extract and utilize oxygen.

To picture how HBOT might work, you can think of your muscles as engines sputtering, struggling to get the fuel they need. If oxygen is the gas that fuels the muscles, it’s as if you are trying to complete your daily routine while the gas tank is running on “empty.” By aiming to directly address this oxygen utilization impairment, HBOT may be a potential solution.

A systematic review by researchers at the China Medical University Hospital noted that HBOT could tackle another major factor in the Long COVID puzzle: oxidative stress. This relates to the body's struggle to maintain balance when harmful molecules, known as free radicals, run amok, causing chronic inflammation.

Research co-authored by Sandra K. Wainwright, MD, medical director of the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Healing at Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut, suggests that HBOT, with its high-oxygen environment, might dampen this chronic inflammation by improving mitochondrial activity and decreasing production of harmful molecules. Other potential benefits of HBOT in the treatment of Long COVID may include restoration of oxygen to oxygen-starved tissues, reduced production of inflammatory cytokines, and increased mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells—primary cells that transform into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

HBOT for Long COVID: Current and ongoing research Several small-scale reports have indicated that HBOT is safe for patients with Long COVID.

To address this question, a trial that followed the gold standard of modern medical research—a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design—assigned 73 Long COVID patients to either receive 40 sessions of HBOT or a placebo of only 21% oxygen. The study observed positive changes in attention, sleep quality, pain symptoms, and energy levels among participants receiving HBOT. In a longitudinal follow-up study published in Scientific Reports, the authors at the Tel Aviv University found that clinical improvements persisted even one year after the last HBOT session was concluded. In a second study, the same authors focused on heart function, measured by an echocardiogram, and found a significant reduction in heart strain, known as global longitudinal strain, in patients who received HBOT.

In another study, 10 patients with Long COVID underwent 10 HBOT treatments over 12 consecutive days. Testing showed statistically significant improvement in fatigue and cognitive function. Meanwhile, an ongoing trial at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has reported interim safety results wherein almost half of the Long COVID patients in the trial reported cough or chest discomfort during treatment. However, it was unclear whether HBOT exacerbated this symptom or if this adverse effect was due to the effort of participation by patients suffering from more severe Long COVID symptoms.

Is HBOT currently available as a treatment for Long COVID? For HBOT to become a mainstream treatment option for Long COVID, several critical priorities must be addressed. First, there is currently no established method for tailoring HBOT dosages to individual patients, so researchers must learn more about the specific features or symptoms that indicate potential benefits from HBOT. At the same time, we need to identify factors that may be associated with any adverse outcomes of HBOT. And finally, it’s important to determine how long these potentially beneficial effects last in a larger cohort. Will just a few HBOT trials be enough to restore patients to their baseline health, or will HBOT become a recurring component of their annual treatment regimen?

For now, HBOT remains an experimental therapy—and as such is not covered by insurance. This is a huge issue for patients because the therapy is expensive. According to Dr. Wainwright, a six-week course of therapy can run around $60,000. That’s a lot to pay for a therapy that’s still being studied. In the current completed studies, different treatment frequencies and intensities have been used, but it’s unclear how the treatment conditions affect the patient’s outcome.

“I have had some patients notice improvements after only 10 or 15 treatments, whereas some others need up to 45 treatments before they notice a difference,” notes Dr. Wainwright. “I think that HBOT is offering some promising results in many patients, but it is probably a strong adjunctive treatment to the other spectrum of things Long COVID patients should be doing, like participating in an exercise, rehab, and nutritional program.”

Dr. Singh notes that “a major challenge for research is the heterogeneity of Long COVID. It is hard to determine which symptoms to treat and enroll patients into trials based on them.”

Perhaps treatments that target multiple issues caused by Long COVID, like HBOT, may help overcome this challenge.

*Not his real name.

Brooks Leitner is an MD/PhD candidate at Yale School of Medicine.

The last word from Lisa Sanders, MD: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is just one of the many existing treatments that are being looked at to treat Long COVID. We see this with many new diseases—trying to use a treatment that is effective in one set of diseases to treat another. And there is reason for optimism: We know that HBOT can deliver high levels of oxygen to tissues in need of oxygen. That’s why it’s used to treat soft tissue wounds. If reduced oxygen uptake is the cause of the devastating fatigue caused by Long COVID, as is suggested by many studies, then perhaps a better delivery system will help at least some patients.

Studies referenced:

bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-023-08002-8

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8806311/

www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53091-3

www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0

www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1354088/full

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11051078/#:~:text=Proposed%20Mechanism%20of%20HBOT%20o

[populationpensive]

Hyperbaric Medicine (HBO)

I'm sorry, what is that?

I have a side hustle as a hyperbaric medicine provider and I am here to give you the down and dirty!

Sometimes referred to as HBO (hyperbaric oxygen), hyperbaric or dive medicine is a specialty that utilizes oxygen at high pressure to treat a variety of conditions, primarily things involving wounds. We place a patient in a chamber, deliver 100% oxygen to them, pressurize the chamber, and keep them in there for about 120 minutes. Since oxygen is the number one thing you need to heal a wound, we use a lot of it to try and speed up the process.

The Basics

Wait - what? HOW? Try not to have PTSD from your days in chemistry, but remember these?

The treatment physiology of hyperbarics relies on gas laws. Recall that it takes a lot of pressure to dissolve a gas into a liquid.

We use pressure to force oxygen into the blood stream at high rates to facilitate wound healing. For reference, most of your oxygen content is bound to hemoglobin (~98%). You do have dissolved oxygen in your blood, represented by your PaO2/PvO2 in a blood gas. However, this makes up a fraction of O2 content (~2%: if you want a clinical soap box, you should hear me talk about blood gases to students lol). A normal ABG would have a PaO2 of 65-100. An ABG acquired during hyperbaric treatment would be well over 2,000.

As an aside, recall that ambient air is 21% oxygen. Also, as a reminder, we exist at 1.0 ATA of pressure (one atmosphere).

How is it done?

Delivering oxygen this way requires delivery of a lot of pressure. We utilize dive chambers for this purpose. There are two types of chambers:

Monoplace: literally looks like a class coffin. Holds one patient and delivers oxygen at pressure through the entire chamber. These are very popular at wound centers.

Multiplace: literally looks like a submarine. Holds 2+ patients and delivers oxygen at pressure to individual patients hooked up to hoods or masks. These are found at tertiary care/academic medical centers.

Literally, the multiplace hoods make you look like a silly space person.

The reason oxygen is delivered this way in a multiplace chamber is to reduce the risk of fire. Oxygen at pressure can go boom. Having an entire chamber full of O2 is a big risk. So, we deliver the gas individually to each patient.

How did it start?

Dinking around with gases at pressure has been a thing for 400 years. However, it didn't become a more focused endeavor until the first dive suits started to be a thing in the 1870s. The specialty itself is relatively new, developed in the 1930s due to advent of decompression illness with divers. Things really progressed in the 1950s.

One pivotal study was "Life without Blood" in 1959. Dr. Boerema proved that he could keep a pig alive with HBO alone. The ethics of this experiment are questionable but he exsanguinated a pig under hyperbaric conditions (3.0 ATA, 100% FiO2). Plasma was left behind. By doing this, he proved that, at pressure, an organism does not need hemoglobin to live. Kind of a radical thing to prove! Don't worry, the pigs did get their blood back and recovered without issue.

What is treated with HBOT? (hyperbaric oxygen therapy)

Anything related to wound healing can be treated with HBOT. We also treat carbon monoxide poisoning, air gas embolism, and decompression sickness with HBOT. I'll start with those since they are (imo), the most clinically interesting. ;-D

Carbon monoxide poisoning: The physiology of using HBOT to treat CO poisoning is based on the binding affinity of CO to hemoglobin. CO has 200 x the binding affinity for hemoglobin than O2 or CO2 does. Because the binding sites are taken up by CO, hemoglobin cannot pick up O2. It also can't offload whatever O2 is already bound. The goal with HBOT is to bombard the blood with massive amounts of O2 to force CO off.

For reference, it would take about 6 hours for CO to offload on its own from hemoglobin on room air. It would take half as long at 100% FiO2 delivered at standard air pressure (1.0 ATA). CO is rapidly forced off within 30 minutes with HBOT. With very severe CO poisoning, particularly in cases of LOC, this is vital for limitation of hypoxia and neurological sequelae of exposure. Treatment is 1-3 "dives" depending on clinical context. The patient is treated at 2.8 ATA (60 feet of sea water) for about 120 minutes.

Air gas embolism: This occurs when gas is accidentally introduced into circulation. It can either be venous or arterial. The venous system has much more flexibility in tolerance for air bubbles. 15 cc or less of gas introduction is probably not going to result in symptoms. Higher volumes go to the lungs and can result in local lung infarction.

The real danger with this is air introduced into arterial circulation. Depending on where it is introduced, it can go directly to the heart causing an MI, or to the brain causing a stroke. Any volume of air introduced into arterial circulation is bad news bears. Treatment is usually 1 "dive" but could be more based on the context. The patient is treated at 2.8 ATA for 30 minutes and then the ascent is extremely slow. The whole dive takes about 5 hours. Why so long? If we ascend too quickly, the air bubble will reform.

Decompression sickness: This occurs primary with scuba divers who ascended too quickly. Scuba divers generally breath mixed gas, most commonly air (21% O2, ~79% N2) or nitrox (35% O2, ~65% N2). As someone is diving, the nitrogen they breath is also dissolved into their blood since they are at a pressure greater than 1.0 ATA. If a diver ascends too quickly, the nitrogen dissolved in the blood will rapidly reform air bubbles in the blood. We just mentioned how that is problematic.

Since air bubbles can go everywhere in circulation, the symptoms are variable ranging from headache, vertigo, nausea, joint pain, chest pain, stroke symptoms, loss of bowel/bladder function, etc. The treatment for this is to recompress the patient and very slowly ascend in the HBO chamber. Treatment is usually 1 dive but could be more based on the context. The patient is treated at 2.8 ATA for 30 minutes and then the ascent is extremely slow. The whole dive takes about 5 hours. Why so long? Again, if we ascend too quickly, the air bubble will reform.

Wound related conditions: there are roughly 15 approved diagnoses for HBO by Medicare in the USA. This is important to mention because if a condition is not covered, paying out of pocket is extremely cost-prohibitive. Insurance is billed $6,000 per treatment! Some of the most common conditions treated are osteoradionecrosis, soft-tissue radionecrosis, irradiation cystitis with hematuria, and refractory chronic osteomyelitis. Wounds created from radiation exposure have the best evidence to support the use of HBOT. These are considered outpatient conditions so patients come to be treated Monday-Friday. We dive to 2.4 ATA for 120 minutes. At minimum, patients are prescribed 20 dives but most treatment protocols for radiation induced injuries is at least 40 dives.

As you can see, this is a HUGE commitment for the patient. One dive is not enough for these wound related conditions. As a hyperbaric provider, I can say that we have patients with such significant symptom relief from HBO. For example, irradiation cystitis with hematuria is extremely debilitating. Patients are fatigued from chronic blood loss, deal with painful bladder spams and pelvic pain, pain with urination, and increased frequency. The blood can clot and obstruct their urethra or foley catheter. Symptoms like this limit quality of life. HBOT makes a huge difference for them.

Benefits

Anyone who has barriers to wound healing can benefit from HBO. Barriers include vascular disease, CKD, COPD, DM, heart failure, and immunocompromised status. The goal is symptom resolution/improvement or healing of the wound. Some patients get approved for far more treatments than we typically do. Usually the maximum insurance will cover is 60. However, in some situations, the clinical benefit of continued treatments is recognized by insurance and treatment is extended.

As a provider, I get to know these patients pretty well. They show up every day that I am staffing in HBO and it is rewarding to see them improve. Compared to my critical care role, this is a nice change of pace.

Adverse Reactions and Risks

There are risks and side effects to HBO. The most common are barotrauma, pneumothorax, seizure, temporary worsening of cataracts/vision, and abdominal distention.

Barotrauma of the ears and sinuses is by the most common issue we face in HBOT. If patients are not able to clear their ears as they descend ("pop" their ears), they can rupture their ear drums. Patients that cannot descend without extreme pain may need myringotomy tubes (ear tubes) to assist with equalizing pressure.

Seizure is a risk of HBOT and that primarily comes from oxygen reducing the seizure threshold. We mitigate this with "air breaks". These are 5 minutes intervals of the treatment where the patient is receiving air rather than 100% O2. Example, we treat at 100% for 30 minutes, have a 5 minute air break, repeat x 2. Obviously the people at highest risk are those with epilepsy or taking seizure threshold reducing medications.

HBOT can worsen cataracts and vision temporarily. The mechanism of this is poorly understood but we know it is reversible. Distance vision is affected the most.

Contraindications

The only absolute contraindication to HBOT is an untreated pneumothorax. There are many relative contraindications that require a risk benefit analysis. An example of this is pregnancy. HBOT has not been thoroughly studied in pregnancy and is not recommended EXCEPT in cases of CO poisoning where we know that the CO concentration is higher in fetal circulation than maternal. Always treat a pregnant person with CO poisoning.

Other potential contraindications include use of certain chemotherapy agents, COPD with blebs/bullae, severe heart failure, epilepsy, sinus/HEENT disease, claustrophobia, certain implanted devices, or active infection.

With certain chemo agents, they can lower the seizure threshold putting patients at higher risk of seizure in the chamber. People with COPD and blebs are at risk of those blebs popping under pressure and causing acute respiratory distress. People with heart failure can experience flash pulmonary edema after an HBO treatment. If people are claustrophobic, obviously spending time in a monoplace chamber can trigger panic attacks. At my center, we sometimes have people referred to our multiplace chamber for exactly that reason.

Most implanted medical devices are HBOT compliant. Generally, pacers and other devices are tested at 4.0 ATA of pressure. We double check with the manufacturer that the device is compliant. If it isn't, we cannot safely treat and have to deny the consult.

Obviously, if someone is sick, we don't want them in the chamber. Particularly colds, severe allergies, fever, or anything that is affecting HEENT. People with acute sinus infection are unable to clear sufficiently to dive. Even if they can clear, they feel miserable. No need to go through that.

Safety Issues

I mentioned that high O2 environments are at risk for explosion. Safety is the number one concern with any chamber. The goal is to reduce risk of fire by removing fabrics that create static (anything synthetic), removing electronic devices that are not HBOT approved, and going through multiple levels of safety checks for patients and for chamber preparation.

At our chamber, only 100% cotton is allowed in the chamber. All patients have special scrubs that they wear during treatment. No electronic devices can be brought in the chamber which includes phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, watches, pagers, etc. We do have HBOT approved IV pumps and radio headsets that we use. These have been tested at 4.0 ATA. The radio headsets are for the attendant (staff member) who is in the chamber and this is also for safety purposes. Since we have a mulitplace chamber, a staff member is always in the chamber with the patient(s).

One thing I do want to address is that some people are concerned about putting a patient with active cancer into the chamber. There is concern that the high O2 environment will "feed" the cancer. There is simply not data to support this. Active cancer is not a contraindication to HBOT.

And there you have it! The down and dirty of HBOT! Hopefully you learned something cool. If you think you have a patient who would benefit, find your local HBOT provider. We are always happy to talk with you about the process. If you care about a soapbox of how insurance companies suck, see below. :-D

Soapbox: I will say, I have definitely been frustrated with insurance companies. They are the gatekeepers of this treatment. You can have several providers supporting the use of treatment and an insurance company can still say "no". Very frustrating.

A prime example of this are patients who have avascular necrosis that is steroid or chemotherapy induced. These are often younger patients (late teens, early 20s) who have/had leukemia of some kind. They end up having necrosis at a joint, usually the femoral head, that will likely result in complete joint replacement at a young age. No orthopedic surgeon wants to replace joints on a young person. It comes will all kind of problems and always needs revision later in life.

Insurance companies will say "we only cover radiation induced necrosis" because that is what the literature supports. Yes, they are correct that the vast majority of studies support HBOT for radiation induced injury. However, the pathophysiology of the tissue destruction, while a little different, ends up with the SAME problem. There are studies that support HBOT use in these situation but not nearly as many as radiation induced injury. The result is that patients suffer, get a joint replacement they could have avoided (or postponed until they are fully developed), and generally are shafted.

*end soapbox*

[kmw302]

Visual Diary 4: Service vs. Helping Designs

I have many friends and family who are nurses. Two of them, my sister and my best friend, have transitioned over the past two years from bedside hospital nursing to retail IV spaces. While providing IVs to customers is still helping them to feel better, it is moreso a service they are providing. They claim to be much less stressed and more fulfilled with their outside of work lifestyle than they were at the bedside. People who pay for IV treatments are also getting a much different experience than someone who requires an IV for medical reasons. At some of the retail spaces they also have other wellness services like HBOT chambers that are typically used in a hospital setting for patients with lung cancer.

Photo source: https://infusionnurse.org/2015/02/17/life-is-full-of-risks/

[nanohospitals28]

Leading Multispeciality Hospital in Bangalore | Nano Hospitals

Nano Hospitals is one of the best multi-specialty chain in JP Nagar Bangalore, providing affordable world-class HBOT healthcare services and treatments.

[thehealthofficers]

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Hair Growth

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a clinical treatment that includes taking in 100 percent oxygen in a compressed chamber. This therapy has been viewed as successful in various circumstances, including wound mending, carbon monoxide harming, and even going hair loss.

In recent years, research has shown that HBOT can also be an effective treatment for hair growth. By increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the scalp, HBOT can provide the hair follicles with the necessary nutrients and oxygen needed to promote hair growth. This increased blood flow can also help remove any toxins or waste products that may be hindering hair growth.

[treatnow]

Brain Science: Election Day +2, 2024 Personal, Congressional, and National Accountability

"Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be." - Sydney J. Harris The sky hasn't fallen. But this isn't about politics, though nothing these days seems to be free of tough choices amidst competing interests and "truth." This is a reflection on choices we as a country face with respect to medicine, specifically brain wounds, mental health, and modern alternatives and supplements to standards of care that are outdated. Consider: Compared to most of medicine, Brain Science is in its infancy. A quick review of the historical record shows the recent rush of new science: Early-history: Trephination, an early form of brain surgery, was used to treat a variety of conditions, including: Relieving pressure in the skull, Treating symptoms of epilepsy and sinusitis, and curing supernatural or otherworldly conditions. Remains of the brothers, who lived during the Bronze Age between 1550 BC and 1450 BC, were found with holes in their skulls during an excavation of a tomb in the ancient city of Tel Megiddo. The Incas beat Europeans to it, but fossils show that brain surgery may have begun around 2.5 million years ago, during the late Paleolithic period. Pre-modern: Al-Zahrawi performed surgical treatments for head injuries, skull fractures, and other conditions in Al-Andalus from 936 to 1013 AD. Simple neurosurgery was performed on King Henri II in 1559 after a jousting accident. He didn't survive. 18th century: The Industrial Revolution led to economic and technological growth, which in turn led to medical progress.  19th century: Scientists made discoveries and inventions that helped identify and prevent illnesses, and understand how bacteria and viruses work. Anesthetics were developed, and medical training improved. Cushing ushers in modern neurosurgery in 1895. 20th century: Research focused on infectious diseases and how they spread. Many pathogenic organisms were discovered and classified, including viruses, which cause diseases like polio, measles, and mumps.  1950s: Antibiotics were discovered, and the mechanisms of metabolic diseases were understood.  1960s and 1970s: The scientific method became more important than tradition and authority. Treatments had to be shown to be effective through statistically sound techniques.  1980s to 2000: Robot-assisted surgery, Vaccine for Hepatitis “B”; MRI scanner; Statins; Laser Cataract Surgery; Gamow bag (hyperbaric bag for treating altitude sickness); tiny camera on a pill; Radiosurgery (for epilepsy and malignant tumors); Viagra. 2000 to present: Human Genome completed; CRISPR; worldwide BRAIN projects; Nobel prize for importance of oxygen, discovery of the glymphatic system, (re)discovery of translational/functional/ alternative medicine. In 2024, "invisible wounds" are no longer invisible. Brain scanning and sophisticated biomarker techniques can reveal brain wounds and provide hints for interventions to cure those wounds. And we continue to discover many of the mechanisms of action that impede brain health, and how HBOT addresses conditions like inflammation, oxygen delivery, proliferation of stem cells, healing, restoration of brain functions necessary for health, and ageing. The glymphatic system, an undiscovered body system until 2012, helps the brain clear metabolic waste, excess fluid, and proteins. It's thought that glitches in the glymphatic system may contribute to the buildup of harmful waste in the brain, which could lead to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and Parkinson's disease. HBOT, by reducing inflammation and growing new blood vessels, restores glymphatic system regularity. Consider the impact of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on our understanding of brain mechanics. The prize was awarded to William G. Kaelin Jr., Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe, and Gregg L. Semenza for their discoveries about how cells sense and adapt to oxygen levels. The scientists' work revealed the molecular machinery that regulates gene activity in response to oxygen levels. This process is essential for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Dr. Shai Efrati, a veteran HBOT researcher, has recently published BEYOND NORMAL, How the new Science of Enhanced Medicine Elevates Peak Performance and Repairs Brain Injury. In it, he speaks directly to the power of Hyperbaric Oxygenation, coupled with HIF, to restore brain function. His ground-breaking work provides remarkable insights about oxygen delivery for Stroke, Concussion, PTSD, Fibromyalgia, neurologic disorders like Alzheimers's, peak physical performance, and the science of "reverse ageing." Bottom line: new advances in medicine have escaped many medical school graduates who have never heard of HBOT, the glymphatic system, or HIF. Sadly, medicine and insurance rules make it difficult for doctors to really listen to patients to do proper diagnoses, The lack of time to read outside their discipline means doctors are uninformed. Victims of brain wounds are underserved and often unknowing about safe, effective, available, and less costly interventions to deal with their mis- or mal-diagnosed TBI/PTSD/Concussion. In the midst of a complex and often contentious healthcare landscape, we find ourselves grappling with critical choices that directly impact the lives of countless individuals suffering from brain injuries and mental health challenges. The urgency for modern alternatives to outdated care standards has never been more pronounced, as we witness the heartbreaking epidemics of suicide, concussions, and mental health issues affecting veterans and civilians alike. At TreatNOW, we are committed to illuminating the path forward by educating key stakeholders—Congress, the Department of Defense, and the general public—about the proven benefits of innovative treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Our efforts are driven by a deep compassion for those struggling with the aftermath of brain wounds and a resolute belief in the power of timely intervention to facilitate healing. As we tirelessly advocate for policy changes that will enhance access to effective treatments, we invite you to join us in championing this vital mission. Together, we can break the logjam and ensure that those in need receive the care they deserve. ****************************** The TreatNOW Mission is ending service member suicides. Along the way, we have learned that we can end suicidal ideation, help end symptoms of PTSD, get patients off most of their drugs, and heal brain wounds to end the effects of BLAST injury, mild TBI Persistent Post Concussive Syndrome, and polytrauma from AHI and Burn Pits. Diabetic Foot Ulcers have become a major emphasis. www.treatnow.org Heal Brains. Stop Suicides. Restore Lives. TreatNOW Information provided by TreatNOW.org does not constitute a medical recommendation. It is intended for informational purposes only, and no claims, either real or implied, are being made. Read the full article

[oxygen8america]

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Home: Is It Right for You?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is now more accessible than ever. Many people are exploring its benefits beyond clinical settings and considering hyperbaric chambers for home use. This treatment once limited to hospitals and specialized clinics, is now available in convenient, home-friendly models. With more options available, it’s important to know if a hyperbaric chamber for home use is right for you. This guide will help you understand the benefits, considerations, and factors to decide if home-based HBOT aligns with your health goals.