Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen within a pressurized environment. This specialized setting allows the lungs to absorb significantly more oxygen than would be possible under normal air pressure. The increased oxygen is then delivered throughout the body, supporting various healing processes. HBOT is utilized for a range of medical conditions, from treating serious infections to aiding in wound healing.
Typical Session Length
A single hyperbaric oxygen therapy session typically lasts between 60 to 120 minutes, though some can extend up to 2.5 hours. This duration allows sufficient time for the body to absorb elevated oxygen levels. The increased pressure inside the chamber forces more oxygen into the bloodstream. This enhanced oxygen saturation helps deliver this vital element to tissues that may be deprived due to injury or disease. After a session, heightened oxygen levels can persist for several hours.
Variables Affecting Treatment Duration
The duration of a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session varies based on several factors. The medical condition being treated is a primary determinant, as different conditions necessitate distinct treatment protocols. For instance, carbon monoxide poisoning might require a shorter, more intensive session compared to chronic non-healing wounds. Each condition has established guidelines for optimal pressure and oxygen exposure.
Individual patient response also plays a role. Healthcare providers may modify the session length based on a patient’s tolerance to the pressurized environment or their progress in healing. For non-healing wounds, a common protocol involves 90 to 120-minute sessions at pressures between 1.9 and 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA), often with brief air breaks. Decompression sickness, often seen in divers, is another condition where HBOT duration is specifically tailored to reduce gas bubble size.
Full Treatment Course
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is typically administered as a series of sessions to achieve its full therapeutic effect. The total number of sessions varies significantly depending on the medical condition and its severity. Acute conditions, such as severe carbon monoxide poisoning, might need one to three treatments. Chronic conditions like non-healing wounds or bone infections may require 20 to 40 sessions or more.
The frequency of these sessions is individualized, but a common approach involves daily treatments, often five days a week. This consistent schedule helps build a cumulative effect. For certain chronic conditions or general wellness, two to three sessions per week might be recommended.
Inside the Hyperbaric Chamber
Before entering a hyperbaric chamber, patients change into a hospital-approved gown or scrubs made of 100% cotton to ensure safety. Items that could pose a fire risk or be damaged by pressure, such as battery-powered devices or makeup, are not permitted inside. Once inside, patients can lie down or sit comfortably.
As the chamber pressurizes, patients may experience a sensation similar to an airplane’s ascent or descent, particularly a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Techniques such as swallowing, yawning, or gently blowing out while pinching the nose can help equalize this pressure. During the painless session, patients breathe pure oxygen through a mask or clear hood. Many find the environment relaxing and use the time to rest, read, or listen to music.
Healthcare providers continuously monitor patients. The chamber environment is controlled, and personnel are in constant communication. At the end of the session, the pressure is gradually reduced, which may cause a popping sensation in the ears as they return to normal atmospheric pressure.