Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

If you or a loved one experience diabetic ulcers or other nonhealing wounds, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could be an ideal treatment for you. HBOT is a noninvasive, painless treatment used for a variety of conditions and illnesses, including:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Necrosis of soft tissue and bone due to radiation treatment
• Gangrene
• Other nonhealing wounds

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?

HBOT uses high oxygen pressure as a treatment for your condition or illness, allowing you to sit comfortably inside a multi-person chamber that administers pure oxygen at an air pressure 2 to 3 times higher than that of the external atmosphere.

This special environment stimulates your white blood cells, increasing your body’s ability to heal. You breathe normally and the high pressure atmosphere pushes excess oxygen into the bloodstream, increasing blood flow and creating new blood vessels to increase oxygen delivery to all your tissues. Think of it as a way to supercharge your body, boosting your own natural healing process.

What Is the Treatment Process Like?

Throughout your treatment session there will be HBOT technicians in ongoing contact, ensuring the highest level of comfort and accommodation. The technicians will be with you both in and out of the chamber, adjusting the temperature and helping to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your treatment. You can read, watch a movie on the DVD system, or just relax.

As with any treatment, side effects are possible, though very rare. Side effects can include:

• Minor ear or sinus discomfort (similar to ascending or descending in a plane)
• Oxygen toxicity
• Mild visual changes

Any of these conditions will usually resolve within a few weeks after treatment has ended.

For more information about DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital's hyperbaric oxygen therapy program, please call (313) 745-8450.