Serious health problems occur when the amount of oxygen in the blood and tissues decreases. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is applied to eliminate these problems. Many scientific studies have been conducted on this form of treatment. As a result of studies, it has been proven that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is beneficial. As with any treatment, it is important that this treatment method is applied by specialist physicians.
What are the side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, people are given 100 percent pure oxygen. It is very important that the oxygen level in the blood is within normal values. With this treatment method, it is aimed to increase the dissolved free oxygen value in the blood. When the amount of oxygen in the body decreases, serious tissue damage begins to occur. In order to prevent this situation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is among the oxygen therapy methods, is used.
As with every treatment method, some side effects can be seen in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Most of these side effects go away on their own in a short time. However, in some cases, more serious side effects may occur, although rare. Among the complications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, one of the common complications is common ear barotrauma and the other is pneumothorax disease. Other side effects are as follows:
- Oxygen toxicity
- Temporary eye problems (such as farsightedness)
- Problems with the ear
- Sinus related problems
- Claustrophobia
- Burning sensation in the windpipe
- difficulty breathing
- dry cough
- Oxygen poisoning in the brain nervous system
- Twitching, numbness in the face area
- tinnitus
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy harmful?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be easily applied to anyone who is suitable for treatment. Whether it is suitable for treatment or not depends on the approval of a physician who is an expert in the field. The duration of treatment is determined on the basis of the person or people’s complaints. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has adverse effects. However, the harms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and most of these effects disappear in a short time.
Since pressure is at the forefront in this treatment method, people often experience ear and sinus problems. Although these problems do not carry serious risks, they will pass by themselves in a short time. The most common adverse effects of oxygen therapy are middle ear barotrauma. However, this does not cause any harm to the person. In a short time, the person begins to recover. Very serious and life-threatening effects are rarely seen in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. If people do not feel well after the treatment, it is of great importance that they consult a specialist physician without wasting time.
What are the contraindications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is an important issue that people are suitable for the treatment. This treatment is not applied to people who are deemed unsuitable. This condition is determined by hyperbaric medical professionals. Oxygen therapy is not recommended if people have any disease or condition that may interfere with treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy contraindications, that is, people who should not use this therapy, are generally as follows:
- People with pneumothorax
- People who use drugs related to chemotherapy
- Individuals with upper respiratory tract infections
- For people with COPD
- People with advanced emphysema
- People with high fever
- To cancer patients
- Individuals who have undergone lung surgery
- For those who have had otosclerosis surgery in the middle ear
- For epilepsy patients
- Pregnant women
- People with optic neuritis