Increased Risk Patients

Contraindications

Certain medical conditions may increase the risk of complications with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Clients with the following conditions should consult with a healthcare provider before starting your session package:

Absolute Contraindications (HBOT Should NOT Be Used):

  • Untreated Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): HBOT can cause further expansion of trapped air and lung rupture.

  • Recent Ear or Sinus Surgery or Injury: Pressure changes can cause complications in individuals with healing ear or sinus structures.

  • Certain Types of Chemotherapy (e.g., Bleomycin, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin): Increased oxygen exposure may heighten toxicity effects.

  • Current High Fever or Acute Respiratory Infection: May worsen symptoms or affect breathing patterns.

Relative Contraindications (Increased Risk Patients):

  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) & Emphysema: Air trapping in the lungs may increase the risk of lung barotrauma.

  • Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy, History of Seizures): Oxygen toxicity may increase seizure risk in predisposed individuals.

  • Uncontrolled Hypertension: Pressure changes may exacerbate blood pressure fluctuations.

  • Pregnancy: The effects of HBOT on fetal development are not fully understood; consultation with an OB-GYN is required.

  • History of Ear Barotrauma or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Increased risk of ear pain and damage.

  • Pacemakers or Implanted Medical Devices: Some devices may not be compatible with HBOT; manufacturer approval may be necessary.

  • Recent Eye Surgery or Pre-Existing Cataracts: May cause temporary vision changes or accelerate cataract development.

  • Diabetes with Unstable Blood Sugar: Increased oxygen can affect insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels.

Clients with any of the above conditions must disclose their medical history before starting HBOT. All sesssions are administered based on informed consent, and medical clearance may be required.

Possible Side Effects & Risks of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

1. Ear & Sinus Issues (Barotrauma)

  • Ear pain or discomfort due to pressure changes.

  • Middle ear barotrauma (e.g., ruptured eardrum).

  • Sinus squeeze or sinus barotrauma (pain or congestion due to trapped air).

  • Temporary hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

2. Oxygen Toxicity

  • Prolonged exposure to high oxygen levels can lead to oxygen toxicity, affecting the lungs or central nervous system.

  • Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, twitching, confusion, or seizures (rare but possible at higher pressures).

3. Pulmonary (Lung) Effects

  • Lung barotrauma (lung over-expansion or collapse if breathing is not properly controlled).

  • Shortness of breath or irritation of the airways in sensitive individuals.

  • Pneumothorax: When your lung has difficulty re inflating or any punctured homeless - knife wound or gunshot the pressure wont allow your lung to inflate or thoracic surgery heart or lung or chest surgery

  • Pneumonia - fluid in lungs need to not hear lungs gurgling with fluid and its safe to start your treatments. 

4. Vision Changes

  • Temporary myopia (nearsightedness) due to lens refraction changes in the eye.

  • Cataract progression in individuals with pre-existing cataracts.

5. Fatigue & Lightheadedness

  • Some individuals may feel unusually tired or dizzy after a session.

  • Mild nausea or headaches post-treatment in some cases.

6. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

  • People with diabetes or those prone to low blood sugar may experience hypoglycemia, especially if insulin levels are not adjusted prior to treatment.

7. Claustrophobia & Anxiety

  • Some individuals may feel discomfort or anxiety inside the hyperbaric chamber, especially in smaller or enclosed models.

  • Increased heart rate or mild panic reactions can occur in claustrophobic individuals.

8. Fire Risk (Extremely Rare but Important)

  • Hyperbaric chambers use 100% oxygen or increased oxygen concentrations, which is highly flammable.

  • Strict safety protocols are required to prevent fire hazards (e.g., avoiding oil-based lotions, synthetic fabrics, and flammable objects).

9. Changes in Blood Pressure

  • Some individuals may experience a temporary increase or decrease in blood pressure.

  • Those with hypertension or cardiovascular conditions should be monitored.

  • HBOT improves blood flow and circulates blood flow, so if you come in with high blood pressure HBOT can make it worse because your blood is flowing & circulating at an increased rate. If you go 8 hours without drinking water, i.e. sleeping, or if you are dehydrated your body has to work harder to push the blood; resulting in higher blood pressure. We suggest sit down for 5 ish minutes and drinking a large glass of water to help lower your blood pressure before entering in the chamber.

10. Increased Risk for Individuals with Certain Conditions

  • People with untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) should never undergo HBOT due to the risk of further lung expansion and rupture.

  • Caution is advised for individuals with COPD, respiratory infections, epilepsy, or recent ear or sinus surgeries due to potential complications.

  • Pregnant individuals should consult a doctor before treatment, as research on fetal effects is limited.

11. Cold or Flu-Like Symptoms

  • Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, fever blisters, cold sores, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or body aches.

  • Congestion can cause difficulty equalizing pressure in the ears during compression and decompression.

  • If you can pop your ears and clear pressure, you may proceed with HBOT.

  • If you are unable to pop your ears, HBOT is not recommended, as your body cannot equalize the pressure, increasing the risk of barotrauma (eardrum damage).

  • Recommendation: Postpone your session until you can comfortably clear your ears to ensure a safe and effective experience.

How to Minimize Risks:

  • Equalize pressure in ears during treatment (swallowing, yawning, chewing gum).

  • Use proper breathing techniques to avoid lung overexpansion.

  • Consult a healthcare provider before starting HBOT, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking before and after sessions.

  • Follow all safety instructions provided by trained professionals to reduce the risk of complications.

1. Nutritional & Supplement Support:

Key Supplements for Oxygen Toxicity & Recovery

Since HBOT increases oxidative stress due to high oxygen exposure, antioxidants and nutritional support can help reduce potential side effects.

(FULL BREAKDOWN OF RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE FOUND IN YOUR CUSTOMER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES)

For diabetic patients, ensuring stable blood sugar levels before and after HBOT is critical to preventing complications.

2. Breathing Techniques & Pressure Modifications

Patients who are at risk for oxygen toxicity (e.g., seizure-prone individuals) can lower risk through controlled oxygen exposure and proper breathing techniques

(FULL BREAKDOWN OF RECOMMENDED BREATHING TECHNIQUES CAN BE FOUND IN YOUR CUSTOMER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES)

3. Session Adjustments & Monitoring

For patients at increased risk (e.g., COPD, cardiovascular issues, seizure disorders), adjusting HBOT frequency, duration, and pressure can enhance safety

  • Shorter Session Durations – Instead of the standard 90-minute sessions, high-risk patients can start with 45–60-minute sessions to gauge tolerance.

  • Lower Frequency – Instead of daily treatments, spacing out sessions (e.g., 3–4 per week) can help reduce oxidative stress buildup.

  • Pre-Session Blood Pressure Checks – Patients with hypertension or cardiovascular disease should have their blood pressure monitored before and after treatment.

4. Hydration & Detoxification Support

Oxygen therapy increases cellular metabolism and detoxification, meaning the body will eliminate toxins more efficiently. To prevent detox side effects:

(FULL BREAKDOWN OF RECOMMENDED HYDRATION & DETOX SUPPORT CAN BE FOUND IN YOUR CUSTOMER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES)

5. Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

Patients undergoing regular HBOT sessions can further reduce risk factors by optimizing their overall health

(FULL BREAKDOWN OF RECOMMENDED LIFESTYLE & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR SUPPORT CAN BE FOUND IN YOUR CUSTOMER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES)