Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat a number of illnesses. The concept is simple.  The air we breathe contains 21% oxygen.  Providing 100% oxygen by facemask without the use of a pressurized chamber has certain limited benefits. By providing oxygen in a pressurized chamber we are able to deliver 2-3 times more oxygen than that which can be provided by breathing 100% oxygen. This hyperbaric (high-pressure) dose of oxygen offers therapeutic benefits.  These benefits are the result of extra oxygen being carried within the bloodstream.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used to provide:

• Increased oxygen delivery to injured tissues
• Greater blood vessel formation
• Improved infection control
• Preservation of damaged tissues
• Elimination of toxic substances
• Reduced effects from toxic substances
• Reduction or elimination of tissue obstruction by gas bubbles

For more information, contact (415) 353-6700 or email  HyperbaricMD@chw.edu

900 Hyde Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109

What does a hyperbaric oxygen treatment feel like?
Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are normally painless.  You simply lie comfortably and restfully in the chamber.  The chamber walls are clear so you can see activity around you.  You can listen to music, watch TV or nap if you wish.  You may experience a sensation of fullness in your ears during certain stages of the treatment.  This is similar to that which is felt while flying in an airplane or driving down a mountain, as the eardrum responds to changes in pressure.

Are there any side effects?
Generally, patients experience no side effects from hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  Some patients report a "crackling" in their ears between treatments, while some report feeling a lightheaded for a few minutes following treatment.

How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments is individualized to each patient.  Most wound healing problems may require 30-40 treatments.  Some emergency treatments will only require one or two treatments. For outpatients, treatments are usually once a day for five to six days of each week.  The exact number of treatments is determined by your response to hyperbaric therapy.