What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen is a simple concept used to treat a small but diverse number of conditions. The air we breathe contains 21 percent oxygen. By breathing 100 percent oxygen under pressure, we can deliver to our body’s tissues more than 15 times the amount of oxygen that they ordinarily receive. A hyperbaric (or high pressure) dose of oxygen offers clinical benefits that have been observed clinically and by research.
In order to provide patients with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a pressure chamber is necessary. The gas inside the chamber is compressed to the level (depth equivalent) prescribed by the physician, and 100 percent oxygen is used for a specified period of time.
The number of treatments a person receives depends on his or her condition.
Am I a candidate for hyperbaric treatment?
If your primary care physician, oral surgeon, oncologist or other specialist thinks hyperbaric treatment may be beneficial to you, he or she can authorize a consultation. One of our trained hyperbaric physicians will then meet you and evaluate your condition to determine if hyperbaric treatment is indicated.
What are the risks and side effects of hyperbaric treatment?
Some minor side effects are ear discomfort and occasional minor visual changes. These are usually temporary and occur in a small percentage of patients. During your consultation visit, the hyperbaric doctors and nurses will discuss with you the risks involved in hyperbaric treatment.
What does hyperbaric feel like?
Hyperbaric treatments are very comfortable. In fact, patients occasionally sleep during their treatments. Some patients do experience ear discomfort similar to flying in an airplane. The staff will discuss ways to help you clear your ears during different phases of the treatment.
How should I prepare for hyperbaric treatment?
Please eat, drink, sleep and take your medications as normal. You may want to have a family member or friend come with you for the first few treatments. You will be given a list of items that are not allowed in the chamber. We advise that you do not smoke while you are undergoing therapy. The hospital has a smoking cessation program, and the physicians can help with prescribed medications.
How long do treatments take?
Once a patient is in the chamber, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach the prescribed depth of treatment. Once that depth is reach, most treatments take 90 minutes to two hours. It takes another 10 to 15 minutes to return to surface. The compression and decompression times are not considered part of the treatment time.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you receive depends on your condition. Compromised flaps or grafts require 7 to 10 treatments, often given twice a day. Carbon monoxide poisoning or diving injuries may require only one or two treatments. Chronic wounds caused by radiation often require 20 to 40 treatments; the same is required for non-healing Wagner III diabetic foot wounds.
What about smoking?
Research shows that smoking negates the positive benefits of hyperbaric. Your hyperbaric physician will discuss stop smoking options with you. Providence Portland Medical Center offers a smoking cessation program. All Providence campuses are tobacco free.
What if I am claustrophobic?
Our physicians can prescribe anti-anxiety medication for you. Often patients only need these medications for the first few treatments until they are comfortable with the process.
To make the treatment time more pleasant, each of our chambers has a flat screen television. We offer limited cable access and a wide variety of videos.
Who will take care of my wound?
If you are following a wound care protocol, our hyperbaric staff will monitor your progress. We photograph and measure all wounds. If you do not have a treatment plan, our expert wound care staff will develop one for you.
Will my primary care doctor know about my treatment plan?
After your initial consultation, we will send a detailed plan of care outlining your treatments will be sent to your primary care physician and to your referring physician if they are different. It will also be sent to your insurance company if they request. We will communicate your progress with your doctors to insure continuity of care.
What happens if I get sick during my treatments?
If you develop a cold, the flu, nasal or chest congestion, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or an ear or sinus infection, please let the staff know immediately. Your treatments may be postponed until your symptoms subside. If you have a temperature over 100°, you will not be treated.
What about my prescribed medications?
Most medications have no effect on hyperbaric therapy. Your hyperbaric physician will review your medication list with you at the time of your consultation and make appropriate recommendations to your primary care physician.
If I am diabetic, what do I need to know?
The effects of hyperbaric treatment can enhance the effects of insulin. All diabetic patients (insulin and non-insulin dependent) will have their blood sugars checked before and after each treatment. We require diabetic patients to take juice into the chamber during every treatment.
Will I have to change my diet or exercise programs?
Good nutrition is essential to wound healing. The hyperbaric physician may recommend supplemental vitamins or a high protein diet, if indicated. Otherwise, you should follow the program prescribed by your primary care physician. If necessary or if you request, we can arrange a consult with a dietitian.
Will insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen treatments?
Most insurance companies cover hyperbaric treatment for the indications approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Our hyperbaric staff seeks preauthorization for all outpatients before beginning the treatment process.
Is this the same type of treatment used for divers with the bends?
Yes, the length and depth of the treatment may change, but it is the same treatment.
Do you treat conditions, such as stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or brain damage from near drowning?
No, Providence Portland Medical Center Hyperbaric Department treats only conditions approved for hyperbaric treatment by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Other conditions are considered experimental at this time.
