{"id":18720,"date":"2023-10-23T17:33:28","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T03:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uhphawaii.org\/?page_id=18720"},"modified":"2024-05-14T17:55:26","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T03:55:26","slug":"understanding-the-potential-risks-of-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-hbot-in-wound-care-insights-from-the-university-health-partners-of-hawaii-hyperbaric-treatment-and-wound-care-center","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uhphawaii.org\/index.php\/htc\/understanding-the-potential-risks-of-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-hbot-in-wound-care-insights-from-the-university-health-partners-of-hawaii-hyperbaric-treatment-and-wound-care-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Potential Risks of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Wound Care: Insights from the University Health Partners of Hawaii Hyperbaric Treatment and Wound Care Center"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Understanding the Risks of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Insights from the Hyperbaric Treatment and Wound Care Center\u200b<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) stands at the forefront of innovative treatments in the medical world, particularly in the domain of wound care. By immersing the body in an environment with 100% oxygen at pressures surpassing regular atmospheric levels, HBOT has shown remarkable efficacy in expediting the wound healing trajectory. At the University Health Partners of Hawaii Hyperbaric Treatment and Wound Care Center, this therapy is not just limited to wound care. It has been effectively employed to address a myriad of medical conditions, from decompression sickness, commonly known as “the bends” (a risk associated with scuba diving) to serious infections and even wounds that resist healing due to complications like diabetes or radiation injury.<\/span><\/p>

However, as with any medical intervention, HBOT is not devoid of risks. This article, drawing insights from the expertise of the University Health Partners of Hawaii Hyperbaric Treatment and Wound Care Center, aims to shed light on the potential risks accompanying HBOT when employed for wound care purposes.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Understanding Pressure-Related Injuries<\/b><\/p>

When undergoing HBOT, the body is subjected to increased pressure, which can lead to injuries, especially in the ears and nose. These injuries can manifest in various ways:<\/p>

Ear Pain:<\/b> As the pressure inside the chamber increases, patients might experience discomfort or pain in their ears. This sensation is similar to what one might feel when ascending or descending in an airplane.<\/span><\/p>

Ruptured Eardrum:<\/b> In more severe cases, if the pressure isn’t equalized correctly during the therapy, it can lead to a ruptured eardrum. A ruptured eardrum can cause pain, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear.<\/span><\/p>

Nose Injuries:<\/b> Just as the ears are susceptible to pressure changes, the nasal passages and sinuses can also be affected. This can lead to discomfort, congestion, or nosebleeds.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Measures to minimize the risk of these injuries:<\/b><\/p>

Equalizing Pressure:<\/b>\u00a0Patients are taught techniques to equalize the pressure in their ears during the therapy, similar to methods used while scuba diving or flying.<\/p>

Communication:\u00a0<\/b>It’s crucial for patients to communicate any discomfort or pain they feel during the session. The therapist can make adjustments to the pressure or offer guidance on equalization techniques.<\/p>

Pre-Treatment Assessment:<\/b>\u00a0Before undergoing HBOT, patients should have a thorough medical assessment. Those with a history of ear or sinus issues may need additional precautions.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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What is Temporary Nearsightedness (Myopia)?<\/b><\/p>

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a condition where close objects can be seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurred. In the context of HBOT, some patients have reported experiencing temporary myopia as a side effect of the treatment.<\/p>

How Does HBOT Cause Temporary Myopia?<\/b><\/p>

During HBOT, the body is exposed to increased oxygen levels under high pressure. This environment can cause the lens of the eye to change shape or swell, leading to a temporary shift in vision. As a result, patients may experience nearsightedness.<\/p>

Symptoms and Duration<\/b><\/p>

Patients undergoing HBOT might notice:<\/b><\/p>