Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has received increasing attention in the medical field in recent years. Divers use it not only to treat hypertension, but also to speed up the treatment of refractory wounds and treat diabetes. The effect of hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment is widely recognized, but some common misunderstandings and doubts still exist. Today, we will analyze these misunderstandings in detail for you and tell you the true safety and treatment points of hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
As a medical technology, hyperbaric oxygen chamber is safe and therapeutic. However, like any medical means, professional supervision and correct use are essential. Patients should have a full understanding of its scope and potential side effects to avoid being mistaken or having unrealistic expectations.
How hyperbaric oxygen chamber works
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the safety of hyperbaric oxygen chambers, we must first understand how it works. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers help patients absorb more oxygen by increasing the air pressure in the chamber and supplementing it with nearly 100% pure oxygen. Unlike the air in daily life (with an oxygen content of 21%), it can integrate more oxygen into the blood, thereby promoting tissue healing and cell repair. This process is essential for first aid for patients with poor wound healing, infection and other problems.
Myth 1: Hyperbaric oxygen chamber is suitable for everyone
Some people think that hyperbaric oxygen chamber is a universal treatment method that can be used by all people. In fact, although hyperbaric oxygen chamber is effective for many diseases, it is not suitable for everyone. For example, patients with pneumothorax and severe chronic lung disease will have a higher health risk in a high-pressure environment. High pressure may cause alveolar rupture or bubbles. In addition, heart patients also need to carefully consider using hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
Myth 2: Hyperbaric oxygen chambers can cure all diseases
Some people regard hyperbaric oxygen chambers as a “panacea” that can cure any disease. In fact, hyperbaric oxygen chambers do show significant therapeutic effects in treatment, especially for hypertension, burns, diabetic foot, and difficult-to-treat wounds. However, it cannot cure all diseases.
Hyperbaric oxygen chambers help promote cell repair and reduce inflammation by increasing oxygen supply, especially to oxygen-deprived tissues. However, for complex conditions like heart disease or cancer, they can only serve as a supplementary treatment, not a replacement for primary therapies. For example, although it can help some cancer patients as an auxiliary therapy, it cannot cure cancer alone.
Myth 3: Serious accidents will occur in hyperbaric oxygen chambers
Some people believe that inhaling pure oxygen under high pressure may cause serious reactions, such as oxygen poisoning or barotrauma. Although hyperbaric oxygen chambers do have risks of side effects, they are controllable. The most common irregularity is the pressure changes in the ears and sinuses, which constitutes the ear pressure problem during airplane transportation. Most people can relieve this inconvenience by just yawning or swallowing.
For oxygen poisoning, modern hyperbaric oxygen equipment has been safely controlled by a precise oxygen supply system. The oxygen concentration and investment time in the treatment are precisely calculated to ensure safety.
Myth 4: Hyperbaric oxygen chambers are prone to fire
Many people worry that high concentrations of oxygen may cause fires. Oxygen does support combustion, but it does not mean that fires are prone to occur inside hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
The hyperbaric oxygen chamber was designed with this in mind, and the materials inside the chamber are all illuminated. Before entering the chamber, patients must remove all flammable items, such as electronic devices, lighters, and alcohol-based cosmetics. In addition, the oxygen flow and concentration of the equipment are strictly controlled, and the risk of fire is extremely low. As long as the operation is in accordance with the regulations, patients do not need to worry about fire problems.
Myth 5: Hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment does not require doctor supervision
Many people think that hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment is “automated” and does not require doctor supervision. But we must understand that the hyperbaric oxygen chamber is a professional medical device that must be carried out under the supervision of professional inhalation. Before treatment, patients need to undergo a comprehensive health assessment. During the treatment, the oxygen chamber will adjust the oxygen concentration and pressure according to the patient’s response to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective.
Using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber on your own or without professional supervision may pose serious health risks. Therefore, any patient who wants to use a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for treatment should choose a regular medical institution for treatment.
Myth 6: Hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment will take effect immediately
Some people expect hyperbaric oxygen chambers to deliver immediate results. While some acute conditions may improve quickly after treatment, the effect on chronic diseases is more gradual. For instance, conditions like diabetic foot often require multiple sessions before showing significant improvement.
The treatment outcome varies for each individual. The number of sessions depends on the specific condition. Many patients need to continue treatment for several weeks or even months to achieve the full therapeutic effect.
Myth 7: Hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment is painful
Many people think that hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments are painful or uncomfortable. However, the process is usually relaxing and comfortable. The patient simply relaxes in the chamber and breathes in the oxygen. The entire treatment is non-invasive and does not involve intubation or invasive procedures. The only possible inconsistency is the pressure change in the ears, which is a feeling of blocked ears when building airplanes, but it cannot be eliminated quickly.
Many people read a book, listen to music, or even take a nap during the treatment. The treatment experience of hyperbaric oxygen chambers is usually pleasant and there is no need to worry about pain.
Conclusion
In general, eliminating misunderstandings and scientific cognition are the basis for using hyperbaric oxygen chambers. Whether it is for disease treatment or health, patients should consult a doctor before deciding to use a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for maintenance to ensure safety and effectiveness. At the same time, we must choose high-quality products. As an industry leader, MINNUO not only has professional medical qualifications, but also invests a lot of research funds to continuously optimize products. The hyperbaric oxygen chambers we produce are loved and trusted by everyone.
