Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that delivers pure oxygen to the entire body at higher-than-normal air pressure. This therapy helps the body heal faster and fight infection more effectively.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is often used for patients with slow-healing wounds, tissue swelling, or skin grafts that need support to take hold.

It may be prescribed to:

• Increase oxygen levels in the blood
• Support the growth of new blood vessels in damaged tissue
• Strengthen the body’s ability to fight infection and kill bacteria
• Counteract the effects of toxins like carbon monoxide

You’ll be placed in an enclosed oxygen chamber, where pure oxygen begins to flow. A hyperbaric medical technician will let you know when the pressure starts to rise. This compression period lasts seven to 15 minutes. You may feel warm and notice a fullness in your ears — similar to what you feel during a flight.

The technician will remain in sight throughout your treatment, guiding you on how to clear your ears and stay comfortable. Once the chamber reaches the prescribed pressure, the ear fullness will ease and the temperature will return to normal. Your treatment may last one to two hours. 

During this time, you can:

• Watch television
• Listen to music
• Rest or sleep

As the session ends, the decompression phase begins. You may feel a popping in your ears and a slight drop in temperature.

After treatment, you might experience a crackling sensation in your ears and/or mild lightheadedness. Rare side effects may occur and will be discussed with you before treatment begins.

What should I know before treatment?

Before your first session, there are a few important things to keep in mind, helping ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your therapy:

Illness

If you have a cold, fever, flu, sore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, or body aches, notify your physician. Your treatment may need to be postponed.

Medications

Bring a list of your current medications. Some may not be compatible with oxygen therapy.

Smoking

Nicotine interferes with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Stop smoking or using tobacco products during your treatment period. Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours before each session. If you’re unable to stop, treatment may be discontinued.

Cosmetics and personal products

Avoid using cosmetics, hair spray, nail polish, perfume, deodorants, or shaving lotions that contain petroleum or alcohol. The technician will guide you on which products are safe to use.

Clothing and accessories

Remove all jewelry, dentures, contact lenses, and prosthetic devices before treatment. You’ll be given a gown to wear during your session.

Location and Hours

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is available at United Regional’s wound care center, located in United Regional’s Bridwell Tower, 1600 11th St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy at United Regional is delivered by a team of physicians and technicians specially trained in critical care and wound healing, in a center designed for comfort and safety.