One of the essential ingredients for wound healing is oxygen. For this reason, Dr. Autumn Savage Dallas leverages hyperbaric oxygen therapy to accelerate wound healing because the procedure involves exposing the body to oxygen under high pressure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a straightforward procedure, especially since a patient enters a specific chamber that provides complete immersion in 100% oxygen.
Are you a candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Not all wounds can heal faster with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Consequently, it is essential that your care provider conducts a thorough examination to understand your condition and thus recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a plausible treatment option. Some of the most common wounds to treat with hyperbaric oxygen therapy include:
- Infections
- Diabetes-related wounds
- Burns
- Injuries that occur due to radiation exposure
- Skin grafts and flaps
What are the risks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively accelerates wound healing and thus improves one’s quality of life, there are certain risks to the procedure that your doctor should inform you of to prepare you for what to expect after the treatment. Fortunately, most of the side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are rare, especially if done correctly. For this reason, ensure that you select a certified practitioner skilled in performing the treatment and preventing side effects from occurring. Some of the risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy that you should be aware of include:
- Seizures
- Ear and nose injuries due to the extreme pressure
- Collapsed lung
- Nearsightedness
Patients with heart conditions are at risk of worsening their disease. For this reason, ensure that you provide an updated medical history to your doctor to make sure that the treatment is the safest option.
What should you expect during hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber varies in space. Although some hospitals have plenty of room for a dozen people to receive treatment at once, some prefer a monoplace that only treats one patient at a time. The following are what you should expect during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session:
- It would help if your doctor asked you to undress and put on a unique gown made out of 100% cotton.
- There should be a table to lie on and slide into the monoplace.
- During the procedure, you must relax. Your care provider may put music or TV on for you.
- Your doctor can see and talk to you throughout the procedure. If you have any concerns, please inform the doctor in charge.
- Once your doctor seals the chamber, pressurized oxygen will enter the monoplace. It is not uncommon for your ears to pop and for you to experience some discomfort because the pressure in the chamber is usually 2.5 times more than normal air pressure.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2hrs, after which your doctor will slowly depressurize the chamber.
What should you expect after your hyperbaric oxygen therapy session?
You should expect to feel lightheaded and tired. Fortunately, these side effects resolve after a few days. Your doctor will recommend additional sessions depending on the size of your wound. And the results of your initial treatment. Contact Wound Evolution to book a consultation if you have any questions about hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
