Hyperbaric Patient Education Q&A

The following is a sample patient education question & answer handout written by Ryan Kelley, CHS, HC-S
It is used as part of the orientation process for new HBO patients. 

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a means of providing additional oxygen to your body tissues. This is done by placing the patient's entire body under increased atmospheric pressure in a closely monitored airtight chamber. During HBOT, the patient breathes 100% oxygen for a prescribed period.

What is the purpose of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

The purpose is to increase the amount of oxygen in all tissues of the body so normal healing can take place.

Who makes up the hyperbaric staff?

The staff is made up of hyperbaric physicians from various fields of practice, hyperbaric technicians, and support personnel. In addition to the hyperbaric staff, you will continue to see your Primary Care Physician and your wound care specialist.

What happens on my day of treatment?

• You will be given a specific time to be at the facility. You will receive HBOT once a day. Each HBOT treatment lasts approximately 2 hours.
• Your scheduled time may change during your treatments; however, we will do our best to meet your scheduling needs.
• You will need to change into hospital scrubs. NO street clothes will be allowed in the chamber. Clean scrubs or a gown will be provided daily. 100% cotton undergarments (bras & underwear only) may be worn under your scrubs, NO pantyhose, slips, or camisoles.
• Lockers are provided for personal items. We strongly recommend you NOT bring any valuables with you (expensive watches, jewelry, & large amounts of money.)
• The following items are prohibited from entering the chamber: jewelry, hard contact lenses, watches, rings, newspapers, magazines, books, wigs, hairpieces, prosthetic devices, loose fitting dentures, hearing aids, pagers, cell phones, lighters, matches, hand warmers, alcohol, and petroleum products.
• You will need to wash away all hair products, make-up, perfume, cologne, lipsticks, creams, salves, oils, etc.
• Each day the Hyperbaric Staff will take your vital signs. If you are diabetic, PLEASE eat prior to arrival. Blood sugar levels will be taken daily before and after each treatment. You will not be allowed to leave the center until your blood sugar level is at or above 90 mg/dl.

What will I feel during my treatment?

During the pressurization (descent) of the chamber the air will be warm due to the compression of molecules in the air. This is completely normal, if you feel extremely hot, let the hyperbaric technician know. During descent you will also feel pressure in your middle ear & will have to manually force air back into your middle ear. We call this the Valsalva Maneuver. If you experience any pain, let your hyperbaric technician know immediately.

During ascent of the chamber the air will feel cooler as the compressed molecules in the air separate, this is normal. During ascent you will also feel your ears popping. You WILL NOT have to do a Valsalva during ascent. If you experience any pain, let your hyperbaric technician know immediately.

How do I do the Valsalva Maneuver?

1. Take a breath, pinch off your nose with your fingers and close your mouth.
2. Place your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
3. Simulate blowing your nose without blowing air into the checks of your face. If done properly you should feel movement of your ear drums (like a "popping" in your ears).

Helpful hints to keeping your inner ears pain free:

• Keep your head level while performing the Valsalva Maneuver. DO NOT tuck your chin to your neck.
• Sometimes stretching your neck from side to side while performing the Valsalva Maneuver aids in clearing your ears.
• Sometimes patients find it helpful to yawn, and/or swallow frequently during descent to help clear their ears (can be done in-between Valsalva Maneuvers).

Are there any side effects to HBOT?

• Barotrauma (ear pain) - This is the most common complication of HBOT. This happens when you cannot clear your ears properly during descent of the chamber.
• Sinus Squeeze (sinus pain) - This is caused if you have any sinus congestion from colds, allergies, etc. If you feel congested prior to your treatment notify one of the staff members.
• Pneumothorax - This is caused when air enters the space around the lungs. It is also VERY RARE and can be easily avoided by breathing normally during ascent of the chamber.
• Oxygen Toxicity - Oxygen is a medication. Like all medications the amount given is important. One of the side effects can be a seizure, which is VERY RARE. If you should have any shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, apprehension, muscle twitching; or you hear, smell, taste or feel anything unusual during the treatment alert the hyperbaric technician immediately.
• Vision changes - hyperbaric oxygen therapy can cause vision changes. Don't get any changes to your glass's lenses until after treatment ceases. It can take 4-6 weeks for oxygen to dissipate from your system & your vision to normalize. If you have cataracts, please let us know immediately, because using HBO can make them worse.

Smoking - Smoking is STRONGLY discouraged during your HBOT. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict thereby reducing the amount of blood supply to the tissues. Smoke and tar decrease lung functions so that less oxygen is absorbed by the lungs and transferred to the blood. Carbon Monoxide produced by smoking will inhibit the amount of oxygen carried in the blood stream, thereby slowing the healing process.

Medications - You may be prescribed medications by the hyperbaric physician such as Afrin nasal spray, Sudafed, Neo-Synephrine nasal spray, and other medication as needed. We ask you notify the hyperbaric staff if your primary care physician changes your medications or starts you on a new medication. You may continue your normal medications unless otherwise instructed.

Emergencies - During any emergency you will be instructed on what to do by the hyperbaric staff. Please follow all directions by the staff. The hyperbaric staff has been fully trained to handle emergencies.

Visitors - Family members, friends or significant others are encouraged to participate in the initial orientation for your hyperbaric treatment. Questions about the treatment process are always welcomed.

Questions- Please let a hyperbaric staff member know if you have other questions or concerns.
Your complete satisfaction is our number one goal.

___________________________________________________