Hyperbaric therapy is a treatment method performed by inhaling pure oxygen in a high-pressure air chamber. There are various benefits that can be obtained from hyperbaric therapy. Even so, this therapy also has side effects.
In principle, when hyperbaric therapy is performed, the room to be used has air pressure up to three times higher than normal air pressure. With the condition of the room, it is expected that the flow of oxygen that enters the body will be more.
The purpose of this therapy is to increase the body's ability and white blood cells to fight infection, reduce swelling, and stimulate the wound healing process. In Indonesia, hyperbaric therapy is already available in several major hospitals.
Various Benefits of Hyperbaric Therapy
Hyperbaric therapy is generally used to treat decompression sickness which is usually experienced by underwater divers. But lately, hyperbaric therapy is also often used as an additional treatment to treat various diseases.
Here are some diseases or medical conditions that can be treated with hyperbaric therapy:
- Anemia.
- Burns.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Injuries from radiation therapy.
- Infection of the muscles and bones (osteomyelitis).
- Brain abscess.
- Muscle tissue infection or gas gangrene.
- Recovery process after skin grafting.
- Sores that don't heal, such as diabetic foot ulcers.
- Sudden hearing loss.
- Loss of vision suddenly and without pain.
In addition, hyperbaric therapy is also believed to be able to help the healing process of stroke, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease. However, its effectiveness is still unclear and still needs further research.
Risk and Side Effects Hyperbaric Therapy You Need to Know
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is actually a safe procedure. Complications from this procedure are rare. Even so, hyperbaric therapy still has some risks and side effects, namely:
- Temporary visual disturbances caused by changes in the lens of the eye.
- Injury to the middle ear, including the risk of a ruptured eardrum due to increased air pressure.
- Pneumothorax caused by changes in air pressure.
- Seizures, due to too much oxygen in the central nervous system.
Pure oxygen in the hyperbaric therapy room is also flammable and explodes when exposed to sparks. Therefore, do not bring objects that can cause a fire, such as matches or battery-powered electronic devices, into the hyperbaric oxygen therapy room.
In addition, also avoid using skin care products that contain oil, because there is a risk of triggering a fire. Don't forget to ask your doctor and therapist for a complete explanation before starting hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
To get maximum results, you need to undergo hyperbaric therapy sessions several times. The number of therapy sessions will depend on the disease and the progression of your condition. However, don't forget to discuss with your doctor first about the treatment plan and the results you want to achieve.
