Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): What to Expect

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber (typically 1.3–2.0 ATA) to drive more oxygen into blood plasma and tissues. In the U.S., HBOT is FDA‑cleared for a defined set of conditions (e.g., decompression illness, carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation injury, compromised grafts/flaps, select infections, sudden hearing/vision emergencies, and certain non‑healing diabetic foot ulcers). Uses like chronic stroke recovery or long COVID remain investigational.

What Is HBOT?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which you breathe 100% oxygen while inside a sealed chamber pressurized above normal atmospheric pressure. The increased pressure helps dissolve additional oxygen directly into plasma, delivering oxygen deeper into tissues—even where blood flow is reduced.

How HBOT Works

• Physics advantage: Higher ambient pressure + pure oxygen = more oxygen dissolved in plasma beyond hemoglobin’s capacity, improving delivery to oxygen‑starved tissue.

• Repair biology: Elevated tissue oxygen can support angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), fibroblast/collagen activity to heal damaged or aging tissues, and help immune cells control specific infections.

• Typical parameters: Treatments commonly use 1.3-2.0 atmospheres (ATA) for about 60–120 minutes per session, per indication‑based protocols.

What to Expect in a Treatment Course

• During pressurization: You’ll feel ear pressure (like airplane descent). Staff teach equalization techniques and monitor you throughout your session.

• Session length & number: 60–120 minutes. Chronic conditions may need of treatments 20 - 30 sessions.

Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications

• Common and usually mild: Ear or sinus barotrauma (pressure/pain), transient nearsightedness after many sessions, fatigue, or claustrophobia.

• Uncommon but serious: Oxygen‑toxicity seizures (rare), pulmonary barotrauma, fire risk in oxygen‑rich environments (managed by strict protocols and no prohibited items in the chamber).

• Absolute contraindication: Untreated pneumothorax. Many other issues are relative and require case‑by‑case evaluation (e.g., severe COPD, certain ear/eye conditions, specific medications).

Who should avoid HBOT?

People with untreated pneumothorax must not undergo HBOT. Others may need individualized risk assessment (certain lung diseases, ear/sinus issues, and specific medications). Pregnant women are not advised to undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy.