Hyperbaric oxygen therapies (HBOT) is the most recent, and highly experimental, response to the overwhelming demand for faster, more comprehensive healing. Injuries have always been treated using the same methods, with the same results, for years. But, what if there was a way to treat any injury or medical problem in a fraction of the time? In fact, that is exactly what Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) does. The new, less costly, high-performing, and scientifically proven approach to healing make use of the principles of high pressure, low pressure, and high humidity to provide an incredibly fast, efficient, and permanent relief from pain and other problems of a variety of kinds.
The new lower cost, higher efficiency hyperbaric chamber provides a variety of healing services that were previously reserved only for the most expensive hospitals and surgical units. With a complete return on investment for both patients and hospitals, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has become a huge success. Unfortunately, it also has some potential side effects for both patients and doctors. Some patients experience an increase in heart rate, while others may experience mild to moderate side effects such as shortness of breath, choking feeling, and/or skin rash. Also, some of these side effects last longer than expected.
The purpose of using a hyperbaric chamber is to introduce extremely high levels of atmospheric pressure and relative humidity into the patient's body. This combination will activate your body's natural healing process and restore your tissues and organs to their optimum functional state. But, despite the potential benefits of this new, improved form of healing, some new issues have arisen regarding the use of hyperbaric chambers. One of the primary concerns is the potential for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to cause frostbite. While some initial reports of this issue did surface, a more recent study by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) found no evidence that it occurs.
Because the low ambient pressure and relative humidity inside of the chamber will increase the risk of frostbite, there are several different methods of protection. The two primary methods involve the use of safety clothing such as safety gloves, goggles, or earplugs, and the installation of vapor barriers between the patient and the air in the chamber. A more recently developed method of protection is the use of a medical-grade chest guard worn during the therapy. A newer generation of hyperbaric chambers also includes a rapid air release system that provides a much faster release of the pressurized air than the older style of system did. This system also offers a higher ceiling than the older style of system, thus preventing the ceiling from becoming an issue.
One of the more common complications associated with the use of hyperbaric chambers is the occurrence of decompression sickness. Although not actually related to the gas within the chamber, this condition is sometimes experienced when the patient is awakened in the chamber after the treatment and begins to become dehydrated. Although the symptoms may appear similar to those of a common cold or flu, patients should be aware that this is not a current or ongoing symptom. Competent doctors and technicians will recognize this symptom as being due to the natural process of the body being recharged by means of the oxygen in the atmosphere. This process does not require oxygen and should not affect the hyperbaric therapy in any way.
Another potential problem is the possible release of an allergic chemical onto the patient's skin. While the vast majority of hyperbaric chambers are equipped with an auto-ignition mechanism, this is not always the case. It should be noted that although this can occur, most of them are equipped with an autopilot mechanism which is self-regulating. The chances of this occurring are small and would only occur in rare situations if the patient's skin is particularly sensitive. It is important to remember that the vast majority of hyperbaric chambers remain closed at all times.
A final potential risk, but one which is easily prevented, are the possibility of nitrogen narcosis. While this is not technically a risk of the therapy itself, it is a symptom of a very rare condition which involves the brain becoming unable to utilise pure oxygen. Although this condition is not very common, it is worth mentioning because it is still potentially serious. If a person suffering from this disorder attempted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, they could possibly experience unconsciousness, choking, or even death.
Hyperbaric chambers have many different purposes in practice. They can be used for the treatment of patients who have been involved in diving and need to receive high levels of oxygen in order to survive. They can also be used for the treatment of stroke sufferers. For diving professionals and students, the use of the hbot is often reserved for short dives. For students, however, it has many practical applications. As long as proper safety procedures are used and the hyperbaric chamber is properly maintained, there is no reason not to include this type of hyperbaric chamber in any home environment.
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