Oxygen is a proven natural healer that has been used by physicians to treat individuals for various ailments for centuries.
In the last six decades, medical professionals have been using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), an age-old treatment solution, to provide relief to patients across the nation.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a popular treatment option that was initially used in the early 1960s’ to treat naval divers for decompression sickness.
Over the years, hyperbaric experts have discovered an array of HBOT benefits that enable patients to combat a wide range of medical conditions such as:
- Crush injury.
- Diabetic wounds.
- Thermal injury.
- Osteomyelitis.
- Burn injury.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Air or gas embolism.
- Acute anemia.
- Gas gangrene.
- Skin grafts.
- Arterial insufficiency.
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections.
Apart from the above-mentioned FDA approved disorders, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also known to provide significant relief to patients with serious health setbacks such as Parkinson’s Disease, Traumatic Brain Injury, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease.
How Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Administered To Patients?
During the HBOT session, a patient is placed in a pressurized compartment known as a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Thereon, the hyperbaric experts administer pressurized pure oxygen to the patient at levels that are 1.2 to 3 times greater than normal atmospheric pressure at sea level.
The elevated pressure levels of unadulterated oxygen introduced during HBOT instantly dissolve into the body fluids of the patient. Thereafter, this pressurized oxygen-rich plasma is boosted to all the injured parts of the brain that have been dormant or damaged due to the restricted blood supply in the affected region.
What Is The Standard Duration Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric experts thoroughly evaluate the patient’s medical condition, before prescribing the requisite duration of HBOT.
A standard session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is typically administered to a patient for 60 – 90 minutes in a day and spread over 4 – 6 weeks or more depending upon the severity of the health affliction.
It makes prudent sense to purchase a personal hyperbaric oxygen chamber if the patient is undergoing long-term HBOT.
What Are The Benefits OF Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Research programs conducted by reputed hyperbaric specialists in several parts of the world have revealed a host of benefits that are experienced by patients undergoing HBOT regularly.
A few benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have been listed herewith:
- The oxygen-rich environment inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is known to stimulate fresh tissue regeneration in the impaired areas of the body and accelerate the recovery process in patients.
- This adjunctive therapy is a non-invasive procedure that does not require overnight hospitalization and can be undertaken on an out-patient basis.
- Researchers believe that HBOT has the potential to combat bacterial infections and restore a sense of well-being in patients ailing from painful chronic wounds.
- Patients with autism spectrum disorder are known to have displayed significant improvement in their cognitive functions such as speech, memory, and motor skills.
- Patients afflicted by traumatic brain injuries are believed to have experienced substantial pain relief and reduced hypoxia levels post their hyperbaric therapy.
- Physicians suggest HBOT to patients facing anxiety issues as the high levels of pure oxygen introduced during the procedure is known to calm the nerves, thereby inducing a relaxed state of mind.
These above-mentioned benefits provide patients and their care-givers with ample reasons to purchase HBOT chambers for personal use. However, certain parameters need to be ascertained before buying a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
A prospective buyer must be aware of the types of chambers available in the market, the size of the device and other allied information related to the construction of the HBOT chamber.
Here are a few types of hyperbaric oxygen chambers that are available in the market:
- Monoplace Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber – Is specifically built to provide treatment to one individual at a given time. These chambers can be installed at clinics or homes.
- Multiplace Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber – Is a device wherein multiple individuals can undergo HBOT therapy during a single session and are designed for large medical facilities that administer pressurized pure oxygen at levels ranging up to 6 ATA.
- Soft-sided Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber – These chambers are constructed using urethane or canvas and can be installed at any location with ease. These chambers are constructed to deliver mild HBOT wherein pressurized oxygen is introduced at levels ranging between 1.3 to 1.5 ATA.
The mobility aspect of these units has made it a favored option with athletes who prefer to undergo HBOT at home or other locations such as hotel rooms or training centers.
A few additional pre-requisites that are essential for the smooth functioning of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber are:
- Oxygen Concentrator:
This instrument significantly enhances the level of oxygen absorption in the body.
- Fire Suppression System:
As oxygen is prone to combustion, having an in-built suppressor system that can detect a fire and instantly quell the same with a deluge function can be a life-saver during any fire hazard.
- Oxygen Monitor:
A good oxygen monitor is a critical component that is mandatory as it aids the medical staff in ensuring that the levels of pure oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber are limited to 21%. A higher concentration of oxygen above these specified limits can result in the patients developing oxygen toxicity.
Listed herewith are 5 reasons that you might want to consider whilst purchasing a hyperbaric oxygen chamber:
- The financial implications of prolonged HBOT treatment at any large medical facility or clinic can be substantially higher as compared to the cost of investing in a personal hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
- Hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy is a relatively safe option that is quicker and comparaitively cheaper as compared to conventional treatment options.
- HBOT chambers can be purchased to suit the physicality of the users and patients with disorders such as autism can opt for vertical chambers if required.
- Patients with complex disorders such as radiation sickness and nerve disorders are known to have displayed substantial improvement in their vascular delivery post continued HBOT.
- Athletes playing at the highest level are known to have adopted HBOT therapy as part of their injury-recovery regimen and are increasingly purchasing portable hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
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The constant degradation of our environment has resulted in rampant pollution. The unchecked exposure to toxins in the air we breathe and the food we ingest is causing severe health complications that require immediate care and treatment.
Currently, HBOT is being viewed by the medical community of the world as a ground-breaking treatment solution that is being adapted by patients to effectively battle these health anomalies through the wide-spread usage of cost-effective hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
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