Hyperbarics is a technology in which the air pressure in the environment is increased. When a person’s body is placed in a more pressure environment, it absorbs more oxygen molecules per volume of compressed air.
The body normally transports oxygen via the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. By increasing the air pressure, oxygen is then driven into the body’s fluids, allowing a super-saturation of tissues and organs with oxygen. The increased pressure infuses the body with oxygen, even reaching injuries with damaged circulation. An example of this is a blood clot in the brain (stroke).
Mild Hyperbarics is generally a pressure protocol up to 1.3 ATA or 4 psi.
High Pressure Hyperbarics involves pressures above 1.5 ATA.
These pressures are achieved in a variety of chambers currently available on the market, including monoplace, multiplace and portable chambers.
Stroke, diabetic foot wounds, air and gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation, gas gangrene, decompression sickness, acute mountain sickness, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, near-drowning, thermal burns, anemia, brown recluse spider bites, wound healing, crush injuries, bone grafts…to list a few.
In the United States, there are certain indications which insurance covers. To request a list of approved indications, contact the IHA on the “Contact Us” page.
Each case is different and the doctors may regulate protocols, depending on a patient’s disease, prognosis and improvements through the course of therapy.
Hyperbarics has a very good safety record. Many hyperbaric centers report only mild otic discomfort as a contraindication to therapy. Such a discomfort is similar to the ear pressure felt when ascending or descending in altitude. These discomforts may be minimized by descending at a slower rate. Discuss these concerns with the treating physician and hyperbaric technician.
