Preparing an individual to undergo Treatment in Hyperbaric Oxygen
Preparing an individual to undergo Treatment in Hyperbaric Oxygen
Let’s face it preparing to undergo treatment in a hyperbaric chamber can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Facing the unknown is for most people, stressing. It might help you to know that this treatment option has been used to provide impressive benefits for benefits to those treated since 1834.
In 1885 the following description appeared in the 18th of April 1885 edition of the British Medical Journal:
The use of atmospheric air, under different degrees of barometric pressure, in the treatment of disease, is one of the most important advances of modern medicine; and when we consider the simplicity of the agent, the exact methods by which it may be applied, and the precision with which it can be regulated to the requirements of each individual, we are astonished that in England, this method of treatment has been so little used.—- C. Theodore Williams ,M.D. F.R.C.P.
The benefits attained with treatment option is a two part procedure that uses increased barometric or atmospheric pressure and an enhanced concentration of oxygen to deliver address challenges to the imposed by inflammation or where oxygen is not available to meet the metabolic needs of tissues with in the body.
Conditioning patients for receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves preparing them physically and psychologically for the treatment to enhance its efficacy and minimize potential side effects.
This preparatory process can offer several benefits:
1. Enhanced Tolerance to Treatment:
Conditioning can help patients acclimate to the environment of the hyperbaric chamber, particularly the increased pressure and the sensation of breathing pure oxygen. This can reduce anxiety and discomfort, which are common among first- time patients.
2. Improved Physiological Response:
Pre-treatment conditioning, such as ensuring proper hydration and advising on
the avoidance of certain medications or substances that may interfere with treatment efficacy, can optimize the body’s physiological response to oxygen under pressure.
3. Safety and Side Effect Management:
Educating patients on what to expect during and after sessions can help in managing potential side effects such as barotrauma to the ears and sinuses, claustrophobia, and fatigue. This includes training on equalizing ear pressure and other techniques to enhance comfort.
4. Optimization of Treatment Outcomes:
Conditioning may involve nutritional support and optimization of other medical conditions to enhance the therapeutic effects of HBOT. For example, ensuring that the patient’s nutritional status supports wound healing can be crucial in cases where HBOT is used for this purpose.
5. Psychological Readiness:
Psychological preparation is crucial, especially for patients who may feel claustrophobic or anxious about the treatment. Providing thorough information about the procedure, what to expect, and how to cope with anxiety can improve patient cooperation and treatment outcomes.
6. Strategic Timing:
Conditioning can also involve the strategic timing of HBOT sessions to coincide with other treatments or the natural circadian rhythms of the body to maximize efficacy. For instance, in stroke recovery, early intervention with HBOT can be crucial.
Overall, conditioning patients for HBOT is a critical step that can significantly influence the success of the therapy. Establishing a degree of comfort with the certified staff that are trained and experienced in ensuring your safety through all phases of the treatment is a key component of this process. It ensures that patients are well-prepared, both physically and mentally, which can lead to better compliance, fewer complications, and optimized therapeutic outcomes.