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In this section, the most common questions from patients at international centers such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, UHMS, NHS, and modern hospital platforms are categorized, and a scientific and practical answer is provided for each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a method in which the patient breathes 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber (1.5 to 2.5 ATA). At high pressures, oxygen dissolves in plasma 10 to 20 times more than usual and reaches the tissues. This increase leads to: stimulation of angiogenesis (formation of new capillaries), reduction of inflammation and swelling, acceleration of damaged tissue repair, and inhibition of anaerobic bacteria growth. Therefore, HBOT is a strong and targeted adjunctive treatment for tissue regeneration.
According to UHMS standards, there are fourteen definitive indications, such as:
- Diabetic foot ulcers grade 3 and above
- Bone necrosis (AVN)
- Late complications of radiotherapy (cystitis, proctitis, osteomyelitis)
- Acute ischemia
- Air embolism
- Carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning
- Gas gangrene
- Burns
- Threatened grafts
In many countries, it is also used for off-label purposes such as sports recovery, anti-aging, migraine, fibrosis, and improving concentration.
No. HBOT is a painless treatment.
The patient may only feel a slight "ear blockage" sensation, similar to during a flight, when the pressure increases, which can be relieved by swallowing, yawning, or performing the Valsalva maneuver.
The number of sessions depends on the type of disease. For example:
Diabetic ulcer: 20–40 sessions
Bone necrosis: 30–60 sessions
Radiotherapy complications: 30–40 sessions
Acute ischemia: 5–10 sessions
AVN Stage I–III: 40–60 sessions
In patients with chronic conditions, results are usually noticeable after the 10th session.
The side effects of this treatment are very limited and rare. The most common ones include: ear barotrauma, mild fatigue after a session, claustrophobia in some patients, and at high pressures, the very rare possibility of oxygen-induced seizures.
These issues are controllable and usually very mild, and they can be prevented by following the proper protocol and thoroughly evaluating patients before starting the treatment.
If EF is above 30%, stable HBOT can be performed.
The patient must be evaluated and monitored by a specialist physician before starting treatment.
In the case of chemotherapy with certain drugs such as doxorubicin, bleomycin, and cisplatin, hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be conducted with an appropriate time interval. Regarding radiotherapy, HBOT is one of the best treatments for late radiation-induced complications, and not only does it not interfere, but it is also considered a complementary treatment of choice.
The use of mobile phones, lighters, and electronic devices is prohibited in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. In single-person chambers, the patient enters wearing a special gown, but in multi-person chambers with controlled oxygen pressure, changing clothes is not necessary.
Most patients get completely used to it after 2–3 sessions. In multiplex rooms and with a transparent chamber, a greater sense of calm is created. In severe cases, the doctor may use mild sedative medications.
Treatment is only possible in cases of CO poisoning, as it is considered life-saving.
For other cases, treatment is not recommended.
Yes. HBOT is one of the safe and standard methods for children, even NICU newborns, in cases such as ischemia, birth-related oxygen deficiency, and wounds.
The duration depends on the disease. For example, in radiotherapy complications, the results are usually permanent; in diabetic ulcers, if blood sugar is controlled, the duration is high; and in bone necrosis, the duration depends on the stage of the disease.
Recent studies have shown that HBOT can improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, enhance sleep quality and focus, and stimulate collagen production, but it should be seen as an adjunct therapy, not a replacement.
Not wearing makeup, cream, or oil on the skin surface
Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours before
Eating a light meal
Wearing the center's special clothing in single-person devices
Reporting any ear, sinus, or lung diseases to the doctor
First, the room door is closed and the pressure gradually increases.
The patient sits comfortably in the chair and breathes oxygen through a mask or hood. The nurse continuously monitors the patient.
After the session ends, the pressure is decreased and the patient is removed from the device.
Just simple recommendations such as: drinking fluids, taking short rest, avoiding strenuous activity that day, and continuing regular medications as prescribed by your doctor.
