Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: What to Expect

Will you be receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the near future? Know what to expect during the procedure.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing 100 percent oxygen in a sealed chamber, is often used in wound care for a variety of acute and chronic wounds, including pressure ulcers, diabetic neuropathic ulcers, arterial wounds, surgical wounds, traumatic injuries and more.

Here's what you can expect during the procedure:

Before the Procedure

• Be sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• You may want to bring something with you to do while you are in the chamber, such as a book to read.
• The procedure may take anywhere from 1/2 hour to 2 hours.

During the Procedure
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber may be a single-person chamber that requires you to lie down on a padded table and slide into the chamber or it may be a large chamber that holds more than a dozen people.

Once you are inside the chamber, the technician will slowly pressurize it with 100 percent oxygen. While inside the chamber, you will be able to talk to the technician. The technician may instruct you to relax and breath as your normally do.

If you have discomfort or your ears pop, inform the technician, who may be able to lower the pressure inside. You can also try "swallowing" or blowing with your nose pinched to relieve the discomfort when your ears pop. Once the right pressure has been achieved, the technician may instruct you to place a clear plastic hood or mask on, which will deliver pure oxygen to you.

After the Procedure
The technician will slowly de-pressurize the chamber and you may have ear popping and feel somewhat lightheaded/ tired. You can usually return to normal activity following a procedure, and no special post-procedural care is required.

To learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and our other services here at Central Florida Regional Hospital, visit us online today or call us at 1-800-445-3392.