Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber. It is used to treat various conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds, decompression sickness, and certain infections. While HBOT can offer health benefits, it is important to understand the potential side effects associated with this therapy.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Used For?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help treat several conditions including:

1. Decompression Sickness 

Decompression sickness happens when a diver ascends too quickly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the bloodstream and tissues, leading to symptoms like dizziness, joint pain, and in severe cases, paralysis. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the gold standard for treating this condition. Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised environment helps dissolve the nitrogen bubbles and promotes faster recovery. 

Recently, NHS England has considered the evidence for routinely commissioning HBOT to treat decompression illness and gas embolisms. The proposal outlines the criteria for commissioning, governance arrangements, and funding mechanisms and invites public consultation on the evidence supporting this treatment. This is an important step in formalising HBOT as the standard treatment for decompression sickness. 

2. Chronic Non-Healing Wounds

Conditions like diabetes can impair wound healing due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and infection. HBOT improves oxygen delivery, accelerates healing, and reduces infection, making it especially beneficial for diabetic foot ulcers and non-healing surgical wounds. It stimulates new blood vessel growth and tissue regeneration, speeding up recovery.

A review published in the International Wound Journal looked at the effectiveness of HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The study included 20 clinical trials with 1,263 participants. It found that HBOT significantly improved the healing rate of DFUs and reduced the need for major amputations.

You can read more about HBOT’s impact on wound healing in this Optimal Health blog.

3. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning happens when a person inhales dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide gas, which can be life-threatening. It interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, leading to symptoms like confusion, dizziness, chest pain, and in severe cases, organ failure or death. HBOT treats CO poisoning by flooding the body with pure oxygen, helping to replace the carbon monoxide in the blood and restoring the body's normal oxygen levels. This fast oxygen saturation helps to speed up recovery and can prevent long-term damage.

4. Radiation Injuries

Radiation therapy can damage healthy tissues, causing burns or soft tissue injuries. HBOT helps by increasing oxygen supply, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair. It’s especially beneficial for osteoradionecrosis and radiation-related soft tissue damage, aiding recovery and pain relief.

A study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology analysed 189 patients undergoing HBOT for chronic radiation-induced tissue injuries. The overall response rates were noteworthy: 96% for osteoradionecrosis prophylaxis, 86% for established mandibular osteoradionecrosis, and 85% for hemorrhagic cystitis. These outcomes highlight HB OT's efficacy in managing various radiation-induced complications

5. Infections

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy effectively treats infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in low-oxygen environments. Conditions like gas gangrene can be managed with HBOT, as high oxygen levels inhibit bacterial growth, boost white blood cell function, and combat antibiotic-resistant infections. In some cases, HBOT is used alongside other treatments for stubborn infections. 

A study published in PubMed examined the potential of HBOT in treating gas gangrene. The study found that combining HBOT with standard surgical and antibiotic treatments resulted in a twofold reduction in mortality rates. This suggests that HBOT can significantly improve outcomes in severe anaerobic infections.

6. Burns

Burn injuries, particularly those that are severe or cover large areas of the body, can be difficult to treat and may require prolonged recovery times. HBOT aids burn recovery by promoting oxygenation to damaged tissues, reducing swelling, and stimulating collagen, for tissue repair. HBOT has been used in burn centres worldwide to improve healing, reduce complications like infections, and potentially limit scarring in severe burns.

7. Brain Injuries and Concussion Recovery

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), like concussions, are typically treated with rest, but recovery can be slow. HBOT may speed healing by boosting oxygen flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting neural repair. Research, including a PLOS One study, found HBOT significantly improved cognitive function, quality of life, and brain metabolism in post-concussion patients. While HBOT shows promise in reducing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and memory issues, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

8. Stroke Recovery

In the aftermath of a stroke, brain cells are deprived of oxygen, leading to potential long-term disabilities such as motor function impairment, speech difficulties, or cognitive decline. HBOT is sometimes used as part of stroke rehabilitation to promote the recovery of brain tissue and reduce inflammation. By increasing oxygen delivery to the brain, it’s believed that HBOT can stimulate the regeneration of damaged neurons, improve circulation, and enhance recovery, particularly if used within the first few weeks after the stroke. 

9. Acute Ischemia

Acute ischemia is where blood flow is suddenly reduced or blocked to a part of the body, leading to tissue damage. This is most commonly seen in situations such as heart attacks, stroke, or injuries to the limbs. HBOT can be used to treat ischemia by helping to restore oxygen to deprived tissues. 

10. Wellness and Anti-Aging

Some people use HBOT to improve general health, reduce inflammation, promote faster recovery after exercise, and even slow the ageing process. The theory is that increasing oxygen levels in the body can help with cellular repair, boost energy levels, and improve skin appearance. 

Possible Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Most side effects of HBOT are mild and temporary. These can include:

1. Ear and Sinus Barotrauma

One of the most common side effects of hyperbaric therapy is barotrauma. This is caused by changes in pressure, typically when there is a difference between the air pressure inside a body cavity and the outside environment. 

Patients may experience:

• Ear pain or discomfort

• A sensation of fullness in the ears

• Sinus pressure or pain

• Temporary hearing changes

To reduce these effects, patients are often instructed to swallow, chew gum, or perform the Valsalva manoeuvre (pinching the nose and blowing gently) to equalise pressure in the ears.

2. Oxygen Toxicity

Breathing high concentrations of oxygen for extended periods can lead to oxygen toxicity, affecting the lungs or central nervous system. Symptoms may include:

• Dizziness or nausea

• Seizures (rare but serious)

• Vision disturbances

• Muscle twitching

Oxygen toxicity is managed by reducing the exposure to increased oxygen levels.

3. Fatigue and Lightheadedness

After an HBOT session, some patients report feeling tired or lightheaded. This is usually temporary and resolves within a few hours. The therapy increases oxygen levels in the body, which can alter normal physiological processes and cause mild dizziness.

Some ongoing studies on HBOT, including those on its use for neurological conditions like stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), have reported dizziness as one of the mild side effects. The studies note that dizziness occurs during or shortly after the therapy and resolves once the patient exits the hyperbaric chamber. The prevalence of dizziness is often lower than other more common side effects, such as ear discomfort or fatigue.

4. Temporary Vision Changes

Some individuals experience temporary vision changes, particularly a shift in nearsightedness (myopia). This happens because of oxygen-induced changes in the shape of the eye’s lens. While concerning, vision typically returns to normal after stopping therapy.

Studies have shown that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can cause temporary vision changes, particularly a shift toward myopia (nearsightedness), due to oxygen-induced changes in the eye's lens. A study of 29 patients undergoing 40 HBOT sessions found that 77.6% experienced a myopic shift of at least 0.5 diopters. These changes typically reversed within 12 weeks, with only minor residual effects.

5. Claustrophobia and Anxiety

The hyperbaric chamber is an enclosed space, and some individuals may feel claustrophobic or anxious. Patients who are prone to anxiety in confined spaces may benefit from relaxation techniques or mild sedation before treatment. One case report highlights severe claustrophobia in a patient requiring HBOT, emphasising the psychological challenges some individuals may face during treatment.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe for Everyone?

While Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is generally safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. Most healthy individuals can safely undergo HBOT for medical conditions, but those with untreated pneumothorax, certain heart conditions, or severe respiratory issues may face higher risks due to pressure changes. Pregnant women should consult a doctor, as the effects on pregnancy are not fully studied. Patients with a history of seizures should be monitored closely during treatment. A thorough medical evaluation before treatment ensures safety and allows healthcare providers to assess risks based on individual health status. When used appropriately, HBOT is a safe and effective treatment.

What Happens During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), patients breathe 100% oxygen inside a pressurised chamber, either single-person (monoplane) or multi-person. The chamber is pressurised to 1.5 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. This allows oxygen to dissolve more effectively into the bloodstream, reaching tissues that may lack oxygen due to injury or illness, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and fighting infection. Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes, with patients possibly experiencing ear popping from pressure changes. Afterwards, patients exit slowly, and the healing process continues. HBOT is conducted in a controlled medical setting with trained professionals.

What happens after hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), patients may experience several effects as the body continues to heal and adjust. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Oxygen Continues to Heal: The increased oxygen in the bloodstream continues to aid in healing, promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation even after the session.
   
   

2. Possible Side Effects: Some patients may feel tired, lightheaded, or slightly dizzy, though these effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few hours.
   
   

3. Gradual Improvement: For conditions like wounds, infections, or brain injuries, the healing process continues over time, and improvements may be noticed in the following days or weeks.
   
   

4. Increased Energy: Some patients report feeling more energised as the body benefits from the enhanced oxygen levels, aiding cellular repair and recovery.
   
   

5. Medical Supervision: Depending on the condition being treated, patients may need follow-up sessions or additional treatments, and their healthcare provider will monitor their progress.

It’s important to follow any aftercare instructions provided by the healthcare provider and to allow the body time to respond to the therapy.

Explore Our Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers

If you wish to improve your health and wellness, consider incorporating Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy into your routine with one of our chambers. Whether you're seeking a comfortable, personal treatment experience or a more advanced, multi-person chamber, we have options for every need.

Check out the Seated Steel Chamber for Oxygen Therapy for a space-saving, Functional option.

Look at our versatile Access Soft Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, perfect for home use.

For a soft chamber experience, check out the S22 Soft Hyperbaric Chamber.

If you require a larger, more robust option, the F500 Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber is ideal.

For advanced therapy, the F85 Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber offers outstanding features designed for optimal results.

Visit Optimal Health to explore our range of chambers and take control of your health today!