FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What are the Side Effects of Hyperbaric Treatment?
Adverse side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are very rare, but there are certain inherent and potential side effects. Some of the potential side effects include, but are not limited to the following:
- One of the most common side effects is barotrauma or pressure to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. Some people experience a mild discomfort to the ears when pressurizing the chamber (much like when taking off on an airplane). To minimize this risk and enhance comfort, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression.
- Patients may experience fatigue due to detoxification following the first few treatments This is normal and safe. (ie Herxheimer reaction is commonly experienced in individuals with Lyme).
- Occasionally some patients may experience changes in their vision during their treatment period. These changes are usually minor and temporary.
- Oxygen toxicity is rare and is associated with significantly longer sessions under much higher pressure than will be administered at CHB.
- Dental barotrauma-also known as “tooth squeeze” is dental discomfort associated with changes in barometric pressure. The volume of air trapped under some dental fillings can change according to Boyle’s law.
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy include:
Improved Immune Function
Antiviral/Antibacterial
Boosts white blood cell counts. White blood cells help fight and prevent disease by making antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins, helping to destroy infected or cancerous cells, and identifying and eliminating pathogens.
Accelerated Tissue Healing
Oxygen is our most essential nutrient, crucial for proper and efficient healing of most injuries. Hyperbaric therapy significantly increases oxygenation of the body’s tissues, helping your body to heal itself in profound ways.
Increased Stem Cell Production
Stem cells replace specialized cells in your body that are damaged or lost. By increasing stem cell production by over 800%, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can vastly accelerate healing.
Increased Blood Flow
Increase blood flow and circulation through new blood vessel growth via a process called angiogenesis. Blood flow is crucial for healing and for optimal organ function.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation has been shown to be at the root of most chronic disease. Oxygen under pressure activates genes that reduce inflammation and promote profound healing.
Reduce Pain
By increasing oxygenation of the body’s tissues, increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can greatly reduce pain and support healing.
Conditions Treated by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Include:
FDA Approved Conditions
- Diabetic wounds
- Crush injury
- Necrotizing soft tissue infection
- Compromised skin grafts
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Nitrogen narcosis (decompression sickness)
- Refractory osteomyelitis
- Radiation injury
- Thermal Burns
- Intracranial abscess
- Exceptional blood loss (anemia)
- Gas gangrene
- Refractory osteomyelitis
- Gas embolism
Other Conditions Supported by the International Hyperbaric Association:
- Antiviral/Antibacterial
- Autism
- Athletic injury
- Cellular regeneration
- Cerebral palsy
- Crohn’s disease
- Cancer
- Concussion
- Enhanced Immune Function
- Irritable bowel disease
- Lyme disease
- Macular degeneration (wet)
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuropathies
- Post traumatic stress (PTSD)
- Rheumatism
- Scleroderma
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Ulcerative colitis
FDA Approved Conditions
- Diabetic wounds
- Crush injury
- Necrotizing soft tissue infection
- Compromised skin grafts
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Nitrogen narcosis (decompression sickness)
- Refractory osteomyelitis
- Radiation injury
- Thermal Burns
- Intracranial abscess
- Exceptional blood loss (anemia)
- Gas gangrene
- Refractory osteomyelitis
- Gas embolism
Other Conditions Supported by the International Hyperbaric Association:
- Antiviral/Antibacterial
- Autism
- Athletic injury
- Cellular regeneration
- Cerebral palsy
- Crohn’s disease
- Cancer
- Concussion
- Enhanced Immune Function
- Irritable bowel disease
- Lyme disease
- Macular degeneration (wet)
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuropathies
- Post traumatic stress (PTSD)
- Rheumatism
- Scleroderma
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Ulcerative colitis
Contact us
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(434) 214.4847
Our Location
Charlottesville, VA 22902