Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Opelousas General Health System's Hyperbaric Department boasts six hyperbaric chambers. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) is a medical treatment, which involves administering 100 percent oxygen to patients in an environment of increased atmospheric pressure, known as a hyperbaric chamber. The process works as the increased level of oxygen enters the blood and body tissues, where it then promotes healing. Hyperbaric medicine utilizes chambers which can operate at up to three atmospheres absolute pressure. The chambers are constructed of clear acrylic plastics and not only allow the patient a full view outside (for watching television, etc.), but also allow the technical staff to perform physiologic monitoring or support of critically ill patients. Phases of Treatment Treatment in the hyperbaric chamber simulates underwater diving, since oxygen is compressed to two-to-three times normal atmospheric pressure. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which last about two hours per session, consists of three phases: compression, prescribed time at pressure, and decompression. Compression After the patient is settled in the chamber, compression takes place for about five minutes. Oxygen can be heard coming into the chamber and there is a slight increase in temperature, which is controlled by the hyperbaric technologist. For the patient, pressure builds in the ears, similar to the feeling experienced when landing in an airplane. During this phase and throughout the treatment, the hyperbaric staff can assist with relieving the ear pressure and any other discomfort. Prescribed Time At Pressure A treatment plan devised for each patient determines the number of hyperbaric oxygen sessions and the length of time per session. Normally, patients receive pure oxygen for one to two hours per treatment. This time may be spent in a relaxing way by sleeping, listening to music, or watching television. Decompression As pressure is decreased in the chamber, the temperature drops. Symptoms are minimal during this phase. Some patients experience a "popping" noise in their ears. How Do I Clear My Ears? When the chamber is pressurized, you will feel a fullness in your ears. This is when you need to make your ears pop. There are several ways to accomplish this: Take a deep breath and blow through your nose while holding your lips and nose tightly closed. Move your lower jaw in a side to side or in and out motion. Swallow water. Swallow water while holding your nose at the same time. If you cannot effectively clear your ears by using any of the methods shown above, you will feel some pain or discomfort in your ears; let the nurse or physician help you. If you are unable to clear your ears, a pressure equalizing tube may be inserted. How do I prepare for treatment? Only hospital gowns or "scrubs" are allowed in the chamber. Scrubs will be provided to those who need to change clothes in the chamber area. Do not smoke for at least six hours before or after your treatment. Do not ingest any alcohol prior to your treatment. Eat a regular meal before treatment (this is especially important for diabetic patients). If your physician has prescribed any medications for you, take them as usual. Pain medication can be taken before your treatment. If you have a cold or any sinus congestion, nasal sprays and decongestants should be taken 30 minutes before treatment begins. What safety precautions must I take? For your protection, certain items cannot be taken into the chamber. Among them are lighters or matches, cigarettes, nylons, wigs or hairpieces, petroleum jelly, ointments, hearing aids, watches, makeup, lipstick or lip balm, hairspray, hair oil or relaxers, synthetic clothing, glasses, or hard contact lenses. Are there any side effect? As with any treatment, side effects are possible. Among them are: Temporarily blurred vision. This is the occasional result of multiple treatments. Lightheadedness. This may last for about five minutes following treatment. Muscle discomfort. You may feel a slight tingling or ache in the area of a past injury. This is temporary. Fullness or stuffiness in your ears. Conditions that benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy While hyperbaric oxygen therapy was initially used in treating divers with decompression sickness, its role has now expanded as part of the treatment plans for many other illnesses and medical conditions. Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy in itself will not cure such conditions, it can be an important supplement to other means of treatment for medical/surgical problems, including: burns gangrene poor wound healing skin grafts bone infections crush injuries smoke inhalation soft tissue infections diabetic wounds carbon monoxide poisoning Osteoradionecrosis Staffing and Schedules The Hyperbaric Medicine Department is staffed by professionals who have received special training in hyperbaric therapy. The department is under the direction of a team of physicians who work under a referral system from a patient’s personal physician. The department’s staff schedules appointments between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with emergency treatments available after hours. Appointments are made in consideration of the patient’s schedule. Insurance In general, insurance plans cover the conditions treated at the Hyperbaric Medicine Department. Patients should check with their provider to find out specifics about the coverage of the treatments. (Title of Photo Here)   (More Information Here)