Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been used to treat diseases and disabilities in children and adults.
Over time, scientists have continually unveiled new applications for this therapy. Today, we have the expertise to address and alleviate symptoms of diverse health conditions using HBOT chambers. Examples include cerebral palsy, decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, autism spectrum disorder, and more.
Many patients want to understand the full functioning of these chambers before they think of buying a hyperbaric chamber or renting one.
For this reason, we have answered six important questions related to HBOT therapy and hyperbaric chambers. Read on!
Frequently Asked Questions about HBOT Therapy and Chambers
When an individual breathes in the hyperbaric chamber, they can recover faster and improve their overall quality of life.
Let’s explore more about hyperbaric therapy to make the right decision about buying a hyperbaric chamber.
Defining Hyperbaric Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical procedure to improve the healing power of the body. During this therapy, our body tissues are saturated with 100% or pure oxygen by increasing pressure. The increase in pressure plays an important role in the effectiveness of the therapy, as it improves the absorption ability of our body liquids.
When a patient is breathing normal air, they can inhale oxygen and carry it through red blood cells. Whether a wound or inflamed cells require more oxygen, only red blood cells make this transport.
As a result, injured tissues are often oxygen-deprived because of poor oxygen flow.
In the hyperbaric chamber, the atmospheric pressure increases and our body can transport oxygen through body fluids, such as lymph, plasma, and cerebral spinal fluids.
The delivery of extra oxygen to the inflamed and injured cells helps in decreasing swelling, eliminating bacteria, and improving angiogenesis. The combined impact leads to better healing and quick recovery.
It is interesting to note that the therapy is non-invasive and doesn’t cause pain to the patient, so even children can receive HBOT if required.
Explaining the Benefits of Hyperbaric Therapy
If you are thinking of renting or buying hyperbaric chambers, you should know the benefits of this therapy in and out. Here are some important benefits of HBOT.
- Proper oxygen supply leads to accelerated healing.
- Non-healing wounds receive support for proper healing.
- Damaged tissues and cells receive appropriate oxygen.
- Faster recovery and shortened recovery phase.
- Reduces inflammation in the body caused due to various reasons, such as autism.
- Decreases oxidative stress in the body by activating certain enzymes to reduce free radicals.
Conditions Approved by the FDA for HBOT
The FDA has approved approximately 14 conditions for hyperbaric treatment.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Wounds
- Air & gas bubbles in blood vessels
- Burns
- Anemia
- Decompression sickness
- Crush injury
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Gas gangrene
- Radiation injury
- Failed skin graft and flap
- Infection of the skin and bone
Apart from on-label treatments, there are a series of off-label conditions that are successfully treated with hyperbaric chambers. These treatments are also often long-term.
- Lyme disease
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Sports injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Drowning accident damage
- Sclerosis
- Migraine
- Stroke
Do I Need to Rent or Buy a Hyperbaric Chamber?
Multiple patients face the dilemma of renting or buying a hyperbaric chamber.
The simplest answer is for how much time you need to receive the therapy. When your need is short-term, then rent a hyperbaric chamber. But, if your need is long-term, then buy a hyperbaric chamber.
For example, if your condition requires 20-40 sessions but there are no follow-ups, then it is right to rent a hyperbaric chamber, such as in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic wounds, non-healing wounds, etc.
Similarly, if you need HBOT therapy for an indefinite period, then it makes sense to buy a hyperbaric chamber, such as in the case of cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, etc.
How Safe Is This Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe if you receive it in the presence of a specialist as prescribed by the physician. If you buy a hyperbaric chamber, then you should understand fully how to operate this chamber and take the therapy as suggested by your physician.
Overall, the therapy is painless and non-invasive, so you can receive it anytime.
But, if you are facing the following issues, share details with your doctor for proper care:
- Chest congestion or nasal congestion
- Flu or cold
- Fever
- Pregnancy
- Changed medicines
- Diabetes
- Anxiety issues
What Type of HBOT Chambers Are There?
You can purchase two kinds of hyperbaric chambers: multiplace and monoplace. The monoplace chamber can treat one person in one session. However, multiplace chambers can treat two or more patients in one hyperbaric therapy session. If you want to buy a hyperbaric chamber, then the monoplace unit is the best for at-home use.
Conclusion
If you are planning on renting or buying a hyperbaric chamber, you need to understand more about HBOT treatment. This knowledge helps in exploring how HBOT therapy aids an array of diseases, which encourages the right purchase decision.
From renting a soft chamber to purchasing an in-house monoplace unit, you should know everything before making this investment.
