blue flame spiral representing safety of hbot

Chapter 6

Safety and Side Effects

The Importance of
Medical-Grade Oxygen
in Risk Mitigation

HBOT relies on the use of 100% medical-grade oxygen, which is crucial for both safety and effectiveness:

Purity: Medical oxygen must meet strict purity standards (typically 99.5% or higher) to prevent contamination and ensure optimal therapeutic effects. This purity is essential in minimizing the risk of adverse reactions and ensuring consistent treatment outcomes.
Regulation: Medical oxygen is regulated as a drug by agencies like the FDA, ensuring consistent quality and safety. This regulation helps maintain stringent quality control measures, reducing the risk of impurities or inconsistencies that could compromise patient safety.
Delivery Systems: Specialized delivery systems are used to maintain the purity and pressure of the oxygen throughout the treatment. These systems are designed with multiple safety features to prevent oxygen leaks or contamination, further reducing risks associated with oxygen administration.

The use of medical-grade oxygen is non-negotiable in HBOT, as it directly impacts treatment outcomes and patient safety. By ensuring the highest quality of oxygen, many potential risks associated with impurities or inconsistencies in gas composition are effectively mitigated.

Certifications and Training: Cornerstones of Safe
HBOT Practice

The safety of HBOT heavily relies on the expertise of the staff administering the treatment:

Facility Accreditation: Reputable HBOT facilities should be accredited by recognized bodies such as the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). This accreditation ensures that the facility meets strict safety standards and follows best practices in HBOT administration.
Staff Certifications: Hyperbaric technicians and physicians should have specialized training and certifications in hyperbaric medicine. These certifications validate their knowledge of safety protocols, emergency procedures, and proper treatment administration, significantly reducing the risk of human error.
Ongoing Education: Regular updates and continuing education ensure that staff remain current with the latest safety protocols and treatment guidelines. This ongoing learning is crucial in adapting to new safety measures and technological advancements in HBOT.

Always verify the credentials of the facility and staff before undergoing HBOT. Properly certified professionals are better equipped to prevent, recognize, and manage potential complications, thereby enhancing overall patient safety.

The Critical Role of Pressure
in Safety and Efficacy

Controlled pressure is a fundamental aspect of HBOT that requires careful management to ensure safety and effectiveness:

Precise Control: HBOT chambers must maintain precise pressure levels, typically 1.5 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. This precise control is crucial in delivering the therapeutic benefits of HBOT while minimizing risks associated with rapid pressure changes.
Gradual Changes: Pressure changes must be gradual to allow patients to equalize and prevent barotrauma. This careful management of pressure transitions is key in reducing the risk of ear, sinus, and lung injuries associated with pressure changes.
Monitoring: Constant monitoring of chamber pressure is essential for patient safety and treatment efficacy. Advanced monitoring systems allow for real-time adjustments and rapid response to any pressure-related issues, further enhancing safety.
Individualized Protocols: Pressure protocols are often tailored to individual patient needs and conditions, ensuring the safest and most effective treatment possible.

Understanding the role of pressure helps patients appreciate the importance of following all instructions during treatment, particularly those related to equalization techniques and reporting any discomfort.

Potential
Risks and Side Effects

While HBOT is generally safe, patients should be aware of potential side effects:

Ear and Sinus Discomfort: The most common side effect is ear discomfort or “barotrauma,” related to pressure changes. Proper equalization techniques and gradual pressure changes help mitigate this risk.
Temporary Vision Changes: Some patients may experience temporary nearsightedness (myopia) due to oxygen effects on the eye lens. This effect is typically reversible after treatment cessation.
Fatigue: Some patients report feeling tired after treatments, which is usually temporary and mild.
Claustrophobia: While rare, some individuals may experience anxiety in the chamber. Modern chambers are designed to be comfortable, and techniques are available to help manage this.
Oxygen Toxicity: In extremely rare cases, patients may experience oxygen toxicity. This is preventable through proper treatment protocols, precise control of oxygen levels, and constant monitoring.

It’s important to note that serious complications from HBOT are extremely rare when administered by trained professionals following established protocols and using proper equipment.

Contraindications

While HBOT is safe for most people, there are some conditions that may preclude its use:

Untreated Pneumothorax: An uncorrected collapsed lung is an absolute contraindication for HBOT.
Certain Medications: Some medications, particularly some chemotherapy drugs, may interact with HBOT. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking.
Pregnancy: HBOT is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless for life-threatening conditions.
Upper Respiratory Infections: These may interfere with ear equalization and increase the risk of ear barotrauma.

Safety Protocols in
Hyperbaric Facilities

Hyperbaric facilities adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure patient safety:

Pre-treatment Assessment: Each patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation before starting HBOT to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for them.
Trained Personnel: All treatments are supervised by specially trained hyperbaric technicians and physicians.
Equipment Maintenance: Hyperbaric chambers undergo regular maintenance and safety checks, including oxygen delivery systems and pressure controls.
Fire Safety: Strict fire prevention measures are in place, including the use of approved materials inside the chamber and proper oxygen handling procedures.
Emergency Procedures: Staff are trained in emergency procedures, and chambers are equipped with communication systems and emergency oxygen supplies.

Tips for Patients

To help ensure a comfortable and safe HBOT experience:

Communicate: Inform your healthcare provider about any concerns or discomfort you experience.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to all pre-treatment instructions, especially regarding items allowed in the chamber and proper clothing.
Learn Equalization Techniques: Ask your provider to teach you ear equalization methods to prevent discomfort during pressure changes.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after treatments to help with pressure adaptation.
Relax: Many patients find HBOT sessions relaxing once they become accustomed to the environment. Bring approved entertainment if allowed.

Conclusion

While it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects, it’s equally crucial to understand that HBOT is a safe and well-tolerated treatment when administered properly. The use of medical-grade oxygen, precise pressure control, and adherence to safety protocols by certified professionals all contribute to the overall safety and efficacy of HBOT while significantly mitigating potential risks.

The benefits of HBOT for approved conditions often far outweigh the potential risks. Always discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized information based on your specific health situation.

Remember, millions of HBOT treatments have been conducted worldwide with an excellent safety record. By following proper protocols and guidelines, and by choosing accredited facilities with certified professionals, patients can confidently undergo HBOT and potentially experience significant health benefits with minimal risk.

Back To Chapters

CONTACT

US

Tel: 2513 9992 | 2513 9993

A.M.L. 28A Shum Wan Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

VISIT

US

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 18:00

Sat - Sun Closed

(Unless emergency)

TELL

US

References

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. (2014). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications. Best Publishing Company.
Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Oxygen USP. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.
Mathieu, D. (Ed.). (2006). Handbook on hyperbaric medicine. Springer Science & Business Media.
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. (2021). Accreditation. https://www.uhms.org/about/accreditation.html
National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology. (2021). Certifications. https://www.nbdhmt.org/certifications.asp
Jain, K. K. (2016). Textbook of Hyperbaric Medicine. Springer.
Thom, S. R. (2011). Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 127(Suppl 1), 131S-141S.
Plafki, C., et al. (2000). Complications and side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 71(2), 119-124.
Kot, J., et al. (2016). A European code of good practice for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. International maritime health, 67(2), 66-70.
Bessereau, J., et al. (2010). Middle-ear barotrauma after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Undersea & hyperbaric medicine, 37(4), 203.
Evanger, K., et al. (2004). Ocular refractive changes in patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen administered by oronasal mask or hood. Acta ophthalmologica Scandinavica, 82(4), 449-453.
Heyboer III, M., et al. (2017). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: side effects defined and quantified. Advances in wound care, 6(6), 210-224.
Allen, K. D., et al. (2009). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for claustrophobia in patients requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Health Psychology, 28(1), 147.
Hampson, N. B., & Atwater, S. K. (1997). Prevention of carbon monoxide-induced brain lipid peroxidation by hyperbaric oxygen. Undersea & hyperbaric medicine, 24(3), 175-179.
Van Hoesen, K. B., et al. (1989). Should hyperbaric oxygen be used to treat the pregnant patient for acute carbon monoxide poisoning? A case report and literature review. Jama, 261(7), 1039-1043.
Sheffield, P. J., & Desautels, D. A. (1997). Hyperbaric and hypobaric chamber fires: a 73-year analysis. Undersea & hyperbaric medicine, 24(3), 153-164.
Burman, F., et al. (2009). Hyperbaric facility safety: a practical guide. Best Publishing Company.