Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.
While there is no cure for CFS, there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. One such treatment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
A study in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help improve symptoms in patients with CFS.
Another study , this one in the International Journal of Hyperbaric Medicine, also found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help improve symptoms of CFS.
While more research is needed, there is evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be a promising treatment for CFS.
What Are The Potential Side Effects And Complications Associated With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally a safe procedure if protocols are properly followed. Complications and side effects are rare and may include:
- Injuries to sinuses and middle ear including fluid leak and eardrum rupture, due to changes in air pressure.
- Temporary nearsightedness : caused by a temporary change in eye lens position.
- Lung collapse: may occur due to the air pressure changes or excessive fluid buildup in the lungs can be found.
- Seizures: secondary to oxygen toxicity of the central nervous system. As prevention, short breaks are often regularly taken in between each session.
- Lowered blood sugar: in people who have diabetes managed with insulin
- In certain circumstances, the chamber is at risk of catching fire due to the oxygen-rich environment.
- Some patients may experience claustrophobia or anxiety to sit or lay in a confined high-pressure chamber.
HBOT should, therefore, be avoided if the patient has an active or recent history of ear infections, ear surgery, fever, cold or lung pathologies.
Risks And Side Effects
What are the side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy? When HBOT is used for conditions that have been deemed appropriate by the FDA, it is usually well tolerated with few side effects. However, some patients using hyperbaric oxygen therapy may experience mild side effects like sinus pain, ear pressure and painful joints.
Some patients experience claustrophobia when theyre inside the hyperbaric chambers and people with diabetes may experience a drop in blood sugar during treatment, so they should eat before entering the chamber and monitor their blood glucose levels.
More serious hyperbaric oxygen therapy side effects include difficulty breathing, seizures, paralysis and air embolism, which is when air bubbles enter a vein or artery. Although its rare, hyperbaric chambers can be dangerous because they increase the risk of fire, which is due to the chambers oxygen-rich environment. But generally, a chamber is a safe environment when its handled by a professional with the appropriate training.
According to the FDA, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has not been proven to be the kind of universal treatment it has been touted to be on some Internet sites. FDA is concerned that some claims made by treatment centers using HBOT may give consumers a wrong impression that could ultimately endanger their health.
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Why Is Oxygen So Important For Successful Wound Healing
Most of the core functions involved in wound healing are oxygen-dependent, so it makes sense that increasing oxygen in the body can support the wound-healing process.
Theres no one single reason that certain parts of the body become deprived of oxygen. Instead, its a complex problem of supply and demand. Many factors have the potential to decrease the supply of oxygen into the blood and cells, including heart disease, radiation therapy, and tissue inflammation.
Its also possible for oxygen demand to surge in response to the bodys needs and ultimately outpace oxygen supply. Think of it as oxygen economics within the body!
Efficacy In Chronic Wounds
HBOT has been used as an adjunctive therapy for chronic wounds since the mid 1960s. The mechanisms by which HBOT may augment healing in chronic wounds are not fully understood, though several rationales have been proposed throughout years. It has been demonstrated that HBOT can modulate the local and systemic effects witnessed in both acute and chronic injuries. In general, the common denominators in chronic wounds are hypoxia, prolonged inflammation, and impaired angiogenesis, all of which may potentially be ameliorated by HBOT.18,51
The data on efficacy of HBOT in chronic wounds are often inconsistent and inconclusive.5156 Among various etiologies involved in the development of chronic wounds, the highest number of studies and the bulk of HBOT literature have been devoted to the subject of DFUs. A 2004 Cochrane Review evaluated the role of HBOT in chronic wounds, concluding that HBOT may reduce the risk of major amputation in DFU patients and may improve healing at 1 year. Unfortunately, many of the studies reviewed suffered from limited sample sizes and methodological flaws. The same study evaluated the role of HBOT in chronic wounds of venous, arterial, and pressure etiology, and concluded that the routine utilization of HBOT for these indications was not justified based on the evidence .34
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What Does Hbot Do In The Body
With this increase in oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments offer many different benefits to the body.
- Increases oxygen levels in the body up to 10 times the normal amount
- Allows oxygen to cross over into the brain, increasing the production and availability of neurotransmitters
- Increases the number of stem cells in circulation throughout the body
- Eliminates areas of hypoxia by stimulating capillary growth
- Stimulates connective tissue cells which promote wound healing and new skin growth
- Stimulates the immune system response
- Offers anti-inflammatory effects on the body
- Aids in treating trauma and sports injuries
- Triggers the healing response to radiation-induced injuries in the bones, soft tissue and organs
- Inhibits the growth of some bacteria and kills non-oxygen tolerant anaerobic organisms
- Improves the performance of some antibiotics and medications
- Removes that gas bubbles that cause âthe bendsâ from the bloodstream
- Increases the removal of foreign bodies from the bloodstream including bacteria, fungi, dead cells, and waste by-products
Play An Important Role In Treating Cancer
Nearly 40% of people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer at some point in their lives. Often cancer treatments include radiation or chemotherapy. There is evidence that HBOT treatments may inhibit the growth of some tumors. In addition, HBOT may alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and help your body heal from radiation treatments.
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When Should I Call My Doctor About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
If you have a chronic wound or other medical condition that might benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, such as severe anemia, contact your doctor to explore this treatment. Your doctor will help you determine whether this procedure is right for you.
If you have hyperbaric oxygen therapy and have trouble breathing, call your doctor or go to your local emergency department immediately. Breathing difficulties may indicate serious complications including embolisms , which are medical emergencies.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/05/2018.
References
Possible Complications And Concerns
There are risks associated with HBOT, similar to some diving disorders. Pressure changes can cause a “squeeze” or barotrauma in the tissues surrounding trapped air inside the body, such as the lungs, behind the eardrum, inside paranasal sinuses, or trapped underneath dental fillings. Breathing high-pressure oxygen may cause oxygen toxicity. Temporarily blurred vision can be caused by swelling of the lens, which usually resolves in two to four weeks.
There are reports that cataracts may progress following HBOT’ and rarely, may develop de novo, but this may be unrecognised and under reported. The cause is not fully explained, but evidence suggests that lifetime exposure of the lens to high partial pressure oxygen may be a major factor. Oxidative damage to lens proteins is thought to be responsible. This may be an end-stage of the relatively well documented myopic shift detected in most hyperbaric patients after a course of multiple treatments.
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What Should I Expect During Treatment
During treatment, youll lie on a bed in a hyperbaric chamber. The chamber will be filled with 100% oxygen. Youll be able to watch TV, listen to music, or sleep during treatment.
The amount of time you spend in the chamber depends on the condition being treated. Most treatments last one to two hours.
After each treatment, youll need to rest for a few minutes before you can go home. Its important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol after each treatment.
Overview And Description Of The Technology
HBOT entails full body exposure and breathing of 100% oxygen while inside a hyperbaric chamber pressurized to greater than sea level .15,16 Typically, treatments involve pressurization to between 2.0 and 2.5 ATA, which would be equivalent to ~250 kPa/inch2, approximately the pressure at a depth of ~15 m of water. Treatment duration varies from 45 to 300 minutes depending upon the indication for which HBOT has been prescribed, with most treatment sessions lasting from 90 to 120 minutes.17 Therapy for acute indications may require only 1 or 2 treatment sessions, whereas chronic medical conditions may warrant up to 30 or more treatment sessions. Patients may receive up to 3 treatment sessions per day depending on the medical indication. Chambers are either single-occupant or multiple-occupant .18
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Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe
Absolutely! Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a time-tested treatment that was developed in the 1600s. Its been used for medical treatments since the 19th century, especially for divers suffering decompression sickness. Since HBOT is strictly regulated, patients experience very few side effects or problems after treatment.
Furthermore, hyperbaric wound care offers a safe, natural, and efficient medical therapy for non-healing wounds and other conditions that resist standard treatments. It uses nothing but carefully regulated 100% oxygen at pressures above regular atmospheric pressure, so the risk of complications is very low.
Even the old fears of claustrophobia dont occur with the HBOT treatments offered at R3. Our HBOT chambers are so large and clear that you forget youre in a chamber at all. Better yet, a technician is outside throughout your entire procedure and you have speakers to communicate for anything you need.
Call 582-5307 or contact us online to learn more about the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the many ways it can transform your wellbeing!
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Adventitiously. The main component utilized in hyperbaric oxygen treatment is unadulterated oxygen. Which is directed in a high-pressure condition. Logical exploration and studies have proposed that HBOT can be utilized as an essential or an extra treatment methodology for countering sports-related wounds.
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What Are The Benefits Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be appreciated due to the following reasons:
- HBOT prevents cell death:
Any trauma or insult that damages the walls of the blood vessels leads to leakage of blood in tissue spaces resulting in swelling. Together these two deprive the cells of oxygenation, and the tissue starves to death. Introducing hyperbaric oxygen in this situation not only improves the oxygenation of tissue but also reduces the swelling thus preventing cell death. Hyperoxygentaion is also found to increase the rate of wound closure up to 70% in cases of chronic wounds.
- HBOT reduces the risk of infections:
HBOT can essentially decrease the risks of infection by detoxifying the body of harmful toxins produced by infectious agents. Alongside, as it also increases the oxygen concentration in the tissues, it helps them resist infection. Lastly, it strengthens the activity of leukocytes, that are the white blood cells to fight any developing infections or free radicals.
- HBOT encourages tissue growth
HBOT stimulates angiogenesis that is the formation of new blood vessels by encouraging the release of growth factors from existing cells. It also enhances the production of collagen that is essential for strengthening newly formed skin and blood vessels. HBOT is also found associated with recruiting the stem cells, which are special cells that have the potential to divide and replicate.
Hbot And Radiation Treatment:
HBOT is an acceptable complimentary treatment for cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation in bones and adjacent tissues where radiotherapy creates an excess amount of reactive oxygen species . It also helps with the regeneration of blood vessels that are damaged by radiation.
A 2006 study in Japan involving patients with brain tumors receiving radiation and chemotherapy experienced much longer survival times and reduced side effects when using HBOT as a complimentary treatment . Another 2009 study showed extended survival times and reduced side effects using HBOT with radiation treatment in patients with glioma tumors .
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Low Pressure Hyperoxia Stem Progenitor Cell Mobilization And Inflammatory Cytokine Expression
A more recent study suggests that stem cell mobilization, similar to that seen in the Thom study, is also invoked at relative normo-baric pressure with a significantly smaller increase in oxygen concentration. This study also found a significant decrease in the expression of the systemic inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in venous blood. These results suggest that hyperbaria may not be required to invoke the transcriptional responses seen at higher partial pressures of oxygen and that the effect is due solely to oxygen.
Boost Immune System Function
The high-oxygen environment of an HBOT chamber can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your bodys natural immune response. Laboratory trials have shown the ability of HBOT to reduce autoimmune symptoms like erythema and lymphadenopathy.
HBOT may be a great choice for those suffering from autoimmune disorders or reduced immune system function. Ask a physician at Urban Wellness Group if HBOT is right for you!
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Benefits Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Humans depend upon the consumption of oxygen all the time. Most atmospheric air is comprised of roughly 21% oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for the production of cellular energy in the mitochondria of every cell in the body. The use of pure 100% oxygen in a high pressure atmosphere has been shown to have extraordinary health benefits. In this article, you will discover the health benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The hyperbaric chamber has pure oxygen coming in at pressures 1.5 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. Treatment times range from 30-90 minutes. Using oxygen at higher pressures causes up to 20 times more oxygen to be absorbed by the blood and transferred to injured organs and tissues. This speeds healing and recovery time in addition to other benefits.
How Much Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Cost
The cost of HBOT varies depending on the number of sessions you need and your insurance coverage. A typical course of treatment consists of 30 to 40 sessions. Each session lasts about two hours.
If you dont have insurance coverage for HBOT, the cost can range from $100 to $300 per session.
You can always consider purchasing a Hyperbaric chamber for home use. Prices start from $15K onwards, but considering that you are willing to spend $300 for a session when the average session per week are 3 5, you can make your investment back in a couple of years.
Plus, a hyperbaric chamber for home use can be used by the whole family, increasing the return on investment even faster.
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Contact Us For An Appointment
Hyperbaric chambers are a class 2 medical device and require a prescription for use.
The information provided by Delaware Hyperbarics Inc. does not constitute a medical recommendation. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and no claims, either real or implied are being made. All customer testimonials and opinions are real and voluntary. The FDA 510 approved intended use is, to provide mild hyperbaria for the treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness and its associated mild symptoms. Delaware Hyperbarics as a clinic treats both on-label and off-label conditions under the prescription of a doctor.
What Is Hbot And How Does It Work
The extremely high pressure produced by the Fortius 420 allows patients at Urban Wellness Group to experience the best possible results from HBOT treatments. There are just a few chambers like it in all of Oregon.
Your HBOT treatment at Urban Wellness Group in Portland is a simple and pain-free experience. Your treatment session will typically last about an hour. Its simple, non-invasive, and effective.
You simply enter the hyperbaric chamber, lay down, relax, and breathe normally. Thats it!
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Indications And Clinical Use
HBOT serves as a primary therapy for a number of medical conditions. There exists an indisputable level of evidence that supports HBOT as the standard of care for the potentially fatal conditions of carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression illness, and arterial and venous gas embolisms.13 As such, HBOT has been approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society for 13 illnesses, including decompression sickness and arterial gas embolisms, though others propose it as a treatment for conditions outside of this list.27
Autism & Other Neurological Disorders
The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat neurological disabilities like autism, Parkinsons disease, stroke, Alzheimers disease, and cerebral palsy is fairly controversial. This is due in large part to the absence of FDA-approval for using HBOT as a treatment plan.
However, this doesnt mean HBOT is without its benefits.
The FDA gives its approval to medical treatments and procedures only after conducting extensive research into the treatment being evaluated. Due to the expansive application of HBOT and the varied complexities of neurological disorders, the FDA has yet to partner with doctors to develop and approve HBOT as a proven method for various types of rehabilitation.
This means that although there is a lack of FDA-back research into the application of HBOT, people are still able to experience positive, life-changing results while undergoing hyperbaric treatment.
One complicating factor of autism spectrum disorder is the brains lack of activity when stimulated with sensory or auditory input. This is partly due to increased swelling in the capillaries of the brain. Because HBOT works by reducing swelling and delivering oxygen to poorly circulated areas, there are numerous reported cases in which a child with autism has achieved previously unattainable levels of speech, play, and mental responsiveness.
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