What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

The purpose of oxygen therapy for the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning is to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood and restore the oxygen level to normal as quickly as possible.

For hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the affected person lies down on a stretcher. The stretcher slides into an acrylic tube about 7 ft (2.1 m) long and 25 in. (64 cm) across. The pressure inside the tube is raised, and 100% oxygen is delivered under high pressure. Each treatment session lasts about 90 minutes. After treatment, the chamber is depressurized slowly while the person rests inside.

It is not clear if HBOT works better than oxygen therapy at normal pressure to reduce the risk of cognitive problems, such as lasting damage to memory, attention, and concentration.

Each treatment session lasts about 45 minutes to several hours. After treatment, the pressure in the tube or chamber is lowered slowly while you rest inside.

Risks of HBOT may include ear pain and rupture of the eardrum. They may also include sinus pressure, a bloody nose, tooth pain, or changes to eyesight. Some people may feel anxious. In very rare cases, it can cause seizures or problems from too much oxygen.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that helps healing. It's used to increase the oxygen level in your blood. This can prevent tissue death, promote healing, and help fight infection. You sit or lie down in an enclosed chamber. The pressure inside the chamber is raised. Then 100% oxygen is given.

In HBOT, the air pressure is raised to about three times the normal air pressure. Then you are given 100% oxygen. The higher air pressure allows your lungs to take in more oxygen than they can under normal air pressure.

HBOT can be done in two ways. You may lie down on a stretcher. The stretcher slides into a clear acrylic tube about 7 ft (2.1 m) long and 25 in. (64 cm) across. The pressure is raised in the tube, and the tube fills with oxygen. Or you may sit in a large chamber that can hold two or more people. A mask or hood is used to give you oxygen at high pressure.

HBOT can prevent tissue death and promote healing. It's often used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness from scuba diving. It may also be used to treat some infections or poorly healing wounds. And it may be used for burns and injuries that cut off the blood supply to soft tissues.