Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

Before commencing HBO, patients are examined by a doctor trained in Hyperbaric Medicine to determine if HBO will be valuable and safe for each individual patient. If there are any problems that may influence treatment, these can be addressed and corrected in advance.

HBO involves daily treatments of 90 minutes that may need to be repeated once to three times daily depending on the condition being treated. Usually one treatment is given per day, five days per week. The total number of treatments also depends on the condition being treated and how it responds to HBO. Between 5 and 30 individual treatments may be required. HBO is administered under the direct supervision of a physician and a staff member is with the patients at all times. All patients are fully informed regarding HBO treatment and kept up to date with their progress. Due to the high cost of the oxygen equipment and the level of medical supervision required, HBO is relatively expensive. When compared to the cost of treatment failures and extended hospitalisation, HBO is very cost effective, however.

HBO is not painful or unpleasant and is provided in a peaceful, relaxed environment. During treatments patients may rest, listen to music or watch video tapes of their choice. Patients may request termination of a treatment at any stage if they feel uncomfortable for any reason. Before the first treatment, patients have the chance to see what the hyperbaric chamber looks like and how it works. During treatment, only a low- pitched hiss of fresh oxygen flowing into the chamber is audible and in the first 5 to 8 minutes, the pressure is gradually increased to the treatment pressure. At this stage patients will notice their ears feeling blocked. This is normal and they are taught how to equalise their ears to pressure by gently blowing against a blocked nose. Patients with previous ear problems or who have experienced pain on aeroplanes may need to see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist before receiving HBO.

All that is required of patients during treatment is to breathe normally and allow the oxygen to do its work. To prevent static electricity inside the oxygen filled chamber, patients are given hospital cotton garments to wear during treatment. Nothing may be taken into the chamber without the permission of the hyperbaric staff.

Please note that visitors are not allowed in the treatment area during treatments.

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Contact Us: hbo@erongomedical.com