Contradictions

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) helps the body.

There are 6 primary effects of increased Oxygen solubility (HBOT) in the body:

1). Vasoconstrictor – reduces edema and inflammation.

2). Promotes neovascularization – produces collagen and new capillaries,

3). Promotes the power of leukocytes (a type of white blood cells) to kill harmful organisms in the body,

4). Kills anaerobic bacteria, bacteria that do not live or grow when oxygen is present. In humans, these bacteria are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.

5). Helps heal tissue that is Vaso-deficient (tendons, ligaments, meniscus in the joints, spinal discs, bones, and even brain tissues) and poorly perfused tissue (Example: slow-healing wounds like wounds resulting from diabetes),

6). Helps regrow damaged nervous system cells – Such as neuropathy.

Contraindications

As with most medical therapies, absolute and relative contraindications exist with the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). 

Relative Contraindications to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Situations or medical conditions where HBOT may still be possible, but carries higher risks, so treatment should only be considered with extra caution and medical supervision.

Absolute Contraindications

**Means do not use mHBOT

Absolute ContraindicationReason ContraindicatedNecessary Conditions Prior to HBOT
Untreated pneumothoraxGas emboli, tension pneumothorax, pneumomediastinumThoracostomy
BleomycinInterstitial pneumonitisNo treatment for extended time from use of medication
CisplatinImpaired wound healingNo treatment for extended time from use of medication
DisulfiramBlocks superoxide dismutase, which protects against oxygen toxicityDiscontinue medication
DoxorubicinCardiotoxicityDiscontinue medication
SulfamylonImpaired wound healingDiscontinue and remove medication

Relative Contraindications

Relative ContraindicationReason ContraindicatedNecessary Conditions Prior to HBOT
AsthmaAir trapping upon ascent leading to pneumothoraxMust be well controlled with medications
ClaustrophobiaAnxietyTreatment with benzodiazepines
Congenital spherocytosisSevere hemolysisNone; HBOT for emergencies only
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Loss of hypoxic drive to breatheObservation in chamber
Eustachian tube dysfunctionBarotrauma to tympanic membraneTraining, PE tubes
High feverHigher risk of seizuresProvide antipyretic
Pacemakers or epidural pain pumpMalfunction or deformation of device under pressureEnsure company has pressure-tested device and confirm safe operating depth
PregnancyUnknown effect on fetus (some studies suggest HBOT is safe)None, but HBOT may be used in emergencies
SeizuresMay have lower seizure thresholdShould be stable on medications; may be treated with benzodiazepines
Upper respiratory infection (URI)BarotraumaResolution of symptoms or use of decongestants
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