Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a method of treatment that uses the ability of blood at higher atmospheric pressure to deliver a greater amount of oxygen to the organs.

Distribution of hyperbaric chambers

 * Decompression chambers;
 * medical research chambers;
 * treatment chambers;
 * small chambers are filled with oxygen as well as air;
 * chambers with larger filling are usually filled with air;
 * diving and experimental chambers are filled with a mixture of oxygen and helium for high pressures;
 * hydrobarochambers are filled with water.

HBO indication
Indications are assessed according to urgency.

I. Degree– affects the prediction of survival, it is vital indications
 * Brain anoxia;
 * burns;
 * hemorrhagic shock;
 * air embolism;
 * decompression syndrome (condition in divers);
 * crush syndrome.

'''II. Degree''' – used as part of treatment, prevention. Transportation to HBO is recommended.
 * Cyanide poisoning;
 * polytrauma;
 * replantation of amputated limbs;
 * cardiogenic shock.

'''III. Degree''' – is part of therapy, improves results.
 * Decubitus necrosis;
 * inflammatory tissue changes;
 * grafting of skin flaps and grafts.

Contraindications of HBO

 * Absolute contraindications – this includes untreated pneumothorax, cytostatic treatment, during the withdrawal of alcoholics.
 * Relative contraindications – acute viral infections, artificial lung ventilation, especially controlled ventilation, untreated tumor malignancy, pregnancy, acute bronchial asthma, condition after chest surgery, epilepsy.

HBO complications

 * Compression phase – barotrauma – pressure difference damage – teeth, ear canal, ear drum, lungs, inner and middle ear.
 * Isocompression phase – failure to observe the maximum safe inhalation times - oxygen intoxication can occur - damage to the brain, lungs, nitrogen narcosis.
 * Decompression phase – damage to the ear, overpressured barotrauma of the lungs, damage to the secondary nasal cavities, pneumothorax may occur.

Related Articles

 * Oxygen therapy • Oxygen toxicity • Oxygen • Oxygen radicals • Oxygen parameters