الفهرس 
HISTORY AND DEFINITION OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPYOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 122 |  |  |
| | | from | 122 | | |
Abstract
H
yperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), is a medical treatment during which the entire body is placed in a transparent, airtight chamber at increased atmospheric pressure. The patient is surrounded by and breathes 100 percent pure oxygen. This treatment is proven effective for a number of different medical and surgical conditions either as a primary or adjunctive treatment. It is also used to treat many other medical conditions that are still considered experimental by the mainstream medical establishment—despite decades of reported benefit.
Sechrist monoplace hyperbaric chambers. They are large enough to hold a seven-foot patient. The pressure can be increased to as much as three times normal atmospheric pressure (although the usual treatment pressure is twice atmospheric or less). Pure, 100 percent oxygen is continuously maintained and circulated throughout the treatment. There is no need to wear a mask or hood at our clinics because the entire chamber is pressurized with oxygen instead of room air. This method requires much more oxygen per treatment, but provides additional benefit at lower pressures—especially to areas of the body with poor blood flow.
The earth’s atmosphere normally exerts 14.7 pounds per square inch of pressure at sea level. That is equivalent to one atmosphere absolute (abbreviated as 1 ATA). In this atmosphere we breathe approximately 20 percent oxygen and 80 percent nitrogen. During HBOT, the pressure is increased up to two times the normal and the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen while the entire body is totally immersed in 100 percent oxygen. Increased pressure combined with the increase in oxygen content dissolves oxygen into the blood and all other body tissues and fluid at up to 20 times the normal concentration—high enough to sustain life with no blood at all and even with the heart stopped.
Hyperbaric treatments are painless, but the patient may experience a sensation of “fullness” in the ears, similar to driving down a mountain, flying, or scuba diving. The “full” feeling occurs as the eardrums respond to the change in pressure. The HBOT technician demonstrates how to relieve this fullness before treatment.
Once a patient is in the chamber and the door is closed, the oxygen begins to circulate. This starts a gradual increase in pressure—called compression. There may be some slight warmth, but that is temporary. The HBOT technician remains by the chamber throughout the treatment to adjust the rate of compression according to patient tolerance and to coach the patient on relieving the “full” sensation in the ears. Compression generally lasts 10-15 minutes depending on how effective one is at clearing their ears.
When the interior of the chamber reaches the prescribed pressure, the sensation of “fullness” in the ears will cease and the patient is free to rest or sleep. The temperature in the chamber remains at room temperature. The patient may also watch TV, listen to music, or chat with family over the intercom during the treatment, which usually lasts one hour.
Near to the end of the treatment, the HBO technician will gradually decrease pressure that was added at the beginning. This is decompression, which generally lasts 10 to 15 minutes. During decompression, there may be a slight “popping” sensation in the ears as a result of the changing (decreasing) pressure. This “popping” is a normal adjustment, similar to what happens when driving up a mountain or ascending in an airplane. It is usually much easier to equalize ear pressure during decompression than during the compression phase.
As with all medical procedures and treatments, some potential after effects may result from exposure to hyperbaric oxygen. These are rare, but will be discussed in detail by the doctor and HBO technician before treatment.
Some medications are not compatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The HBO technician will obtain a complete drug history before treatment. Each drug taken will be considered individually in relation to HBOT, and should changes be indicated, the prescribing doctor will be advised.
Some commonly used medications may potentiate side effects from HBOT. They must be limited or substituted with another drug. These include: high doses of aspirin and prednisone (or similar cortisone type drugs), and morphine, or alcohol within 8 hours of treatment. Special precautions also are required for HBOT patients who are taking insulin, pain medication, tranquilizers, high doses of prednisone and other corticosteroids, and anticoagulants. The doctor or nurse will explain any needed precautions.
Patients will be instructed to take a regimen of high potency nutritional supplements containing vitamin E and other antioxidants during a course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
In conclusion, HBO therapy can be regarded as a procedure with an acceptable rate of complications as long as safety guidelines concerning preexaminations, contraindications, therapeutic schemes, and monitoring of the patients are followed. The vast majority of inci¬dents can be managed by simple measures so that major complications represent rare events. Despite this reas¬surance, every hyperbaric facility needs to be prepared for the worst case scenario including the appropriate emergency equipment and well trained medical per¬sonnel.