Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers interdisciplinary outpatient care that is highly effective in healing wounds that resist conventional therapies in cases such as: Complex soft tissue wounds, Diabetic foot ulcers, Arterial ulcers, Venous stasis ulcers, Pressure ulcers, Trauma wounds, Skin grafts and flaps, Necrotizing soft tissue infections, Burns, Neuropathic ulcers, Tissue damage from radiation, reduces edema etc.

The long range benefits are often not fully appreciated because HBOT facilitates all treatment programs and thus its value is frequently unrecognized. There is, however, no question that the decline in seizure frequently is closely allied with an improved cerebral circulation. So too, are the functional improvements occurring in the central nervous system that are seen as gains in performance.

HBOT has produced significant improvement in the health of all children, but most dramatically in our hurt ones who previously required frequent hospitalizations for a variety of infections and illnesses.

As with all such life-savers, there are inherent dangers as well, and this procedure must first be approved for any child’s use by a Doctor who knows the child’s medical status. Certain specific conditions may pose a risk for children who appear to be in excellent health. There are three conditions we see occasionally that fall into this category:

1. Children with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down’s syndrome, frequently have Cardiac problem such as atrial or ventricular septal defects. If these openings are large, they may produce abnormally high pulmonary vascular pressure, which could damage the lungs. HBOT could aggravate this situation and, therefore, we strongly advise that all such children receive a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram before undertaking HBOT.
2. Increased pulmonary pressure may also result from bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This condition caused by prolonged exposure to high concentration of Oxygen under increased pressure administered during the neonatal period. Most often this is seen in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Heroic efforts to give the newborn adequate oxygen may therefore result in lung tissue injury. These children also require studies to assure the safety of HBOT for them.
3. Any condition in which a chronic state of abnormally high carbon dioxide exists in the blood. This may be a permanent or temporary situation.

Unwise use of the HBOT in these two situations would likely increase the difficulty of getting improved oxygen supply to the brain or the body as a whole, and therefore would be counterproductive as well as dangerous.

Aside from the above long- term restrictions, there are several short-term ones that most children experience at some time. HBOT should be suspended for the following conditions.

1. Pneumonia or other problems that exist in the lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, acute asthma attack, pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure.
2. Moderate to high fever.
3. Any upper respiratory infection in which there is so much mucous coughing that the child is uncomfortable during HBOT.
4. Vomiting.
5. Any conditions that your physician feels might be worsened by use of the HBOT.
6. Any occurrence that concerns you during an HBOT session.
7. Sinus congestions, including ordinary cold.

Check with your physician.

Are there any contraindications to hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

The only absolute contraindication to HBOT is an untreated tension pneumothorax (an accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity of the lungs). There are several conditions in which caution must be observed. It is important that the hyperbaric physician is aware of the following conditions prior to beginning treatment:

• Chronic sinusitis
• Congenital
• spherocytosis
• Emphysema with CO2 retention
• History of optic neuritis
• History of reconstructive ear surgery
• History of spontaneous pneumothorax
• History of thorax surgery
• Pulmonary lesions in routine X-ray or CT scan
• Seizure disorders
• Sickle cell anemia
• Uncontrolled high fever
• Upper respiratory infections
• Viral infections

I have read all the instructions about HBOT and understand the risk and benefits.I will consult my Doctor before starting HBOT.

I have already consulted my Doctor & it is ok for the institute to start HBOT sessions for my child at the Campus.