Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a trusted medical treatment that involves breathing 100 percent oxygen inside a pressurized hyperbaric chamber. This increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve more efficiently in the bloodstream, helping oxygen reach damaged tissues and support healing.
HBOT is widely used for chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, radiation injuries, compromised skin grafts, and tissue damage. It offers significant benefits for patients with difficult or slow-healing wounds. While HBOT is generally safe, it is important to understand both its advantages and the side effects you may experience. This guide explains what HBOT is, how it works, the potential side effects, and how the team at Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic & Hyperbarics ensures your treatment remains safe and effective.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT increases the amount of oxygen your bloodstream can carry. Inside the pressurized chamber, your body absorbs more oxygen than it can under normal air pressure. This supports healing in several ways, including:
- Improved circulation
- Faster tissue repair
- Reduced inflammation
- Support for new blood vessel growth
This enhanced oxygen delivery is why HBOT is often recommended for chronic and diabetic wounds that do not respond to standard treatments. You can learn more about the procedure in our patient instructions.
Common Benefits of HBOT
Patients may receive the following benefits from HBOT:
- Faster healing of chronic, diabetic, or radiation-related wounds
- Increased blood flow to oxygen-starved tissue
- Reduced swelling and inflammation
- Lower infection risk
- Enhanced recovery after surgery, injury, or tissue damage
At Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic, Dr. Manju Badam specializes in wound healing and hyperbaric medicine, offering expert guidance for patients who need advanced support.
Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Side Effects
HBOT is considered safe when supervised by trained hyperbaric specialists. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. Below is what most patients want to know before beginning treatment.
1. Ear Pressure and Barotrauma
Ear pressure changes are the most common side effect of HBOT. Pressure inside the chamber increases, similar to what you feel during takeoff on an airplane. Most patients can relieve this pressure by swallowing or performing equalization techniques taught before the session.
Barotrauma can occur when the eardrum or middle ear does not equalize properly. Symptoms may include ear fullness or discomfort. Your provider will guide you through equalization strategies and adjust compression speed to prevent this.
2. Sinus Discomfort or Congestion
Pressure changes can also cause temporary sinus pressure. This usually improves immediately after treatment.
3. Fatigue or Lightheadedness
Some people feel tired or slightly lightheaded after a session. This is a normal response as the body adjusts to the increased oxygen level. Most patients resume their usual activities without restriction.
4. Temporary Vision Changes
Rarely, HBOT may cause temporary nearsightedness. This usually improves after therapy ends. Long-term vision problems are unusual, and your provider monitors any changes during your treatment course.
5. Oxygen Toxicity
Oxygen toxicity is extremely rare. It can occur only if oxygen exposure is too high or too prolonged. With proper supervision, the risk is nearly nonexistent. HBOT protocols include scheduled oxygen breaks and real-time monitoring to ensure safety.
What Happens After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
After a session, some patients notice mild fatigue, ear popping, or a sensation similar to leaving an airplane. These effects are temporary. Most people feel relaxed and continue with normal daily activities.
If you experience minor discomfort, our team will check your symptoms and make adjustments for the next session.
Risks, Contraindications, and Who Should Avoid HBOT
While HBOT is safe for most patients, certain conditions require careful evaluation.
HBOT may not be recommended if you have:
- An untreated pneumothorax
- Certain lung or respiratory conditions
- Severe sinus congestion or active ear infections
- Recent ear or sinus surgery
- Uncontrolled seizures
This is why a detailed medical evaluation is required before treatment begins. Vayu provides a thorough screening to determine if HBOT is safe and beneficial for your condition.
How Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic Ensures Safety
At Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic & Hyperbarics, HBOT is performed under the supervision of Dr. Manju Badam, MD, CWSP, UHM. Your treatment plan includes:
- Pre-treatment evaluation to identify any risk factors
- A controlled, medically supervised chamber environment
- Monitoring during the entire session
- Guidance on ear pressure techniques
- Adjustments for individual comfort
- Personalized protocols for diabetic wounds and chronic wounds
For more details, view our clinic brochure.
When to Talk to a Specialist
If you have:
- A wound that is not healing
- A diabetic ulcer
- A radiation injury
- Recurrent infections
- Slow tissue repair
It may be time to talk to a wound care specialist. Dr. Manju Badam can help determine whether HBOT is right for you and create a personalized plan that supports safe recovery.
Schedule an evaluation by calling 210-651-1112 or schedule an appointment online.
Conclusion
HBOT is a safe, effective therapy that supports healing for many complex conditions. While mild side effects can occur, serious complications are rare when treatment is supervised by trained specialists. At Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic & Hyperbarics, your safety is our priority. Our structured protocols help you heal faster with confidence and clarity.
If you are considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy in San Antonio, our team is here to guide you through every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe for everyone?
HBOT is generally safe, but some conditions require extra evaluation. A pre-treatment screening helps determine if HBOT is right for you.
What are the most common side effects of HBOT?
Ear pressure, mild sinus discomfort, fatigue, and temporary vision changes are the most common side effects.
Can HBOT help with diabetic or chronic wounds?
Yes. HBOT improves circulation and oxygen delivery to damaged tissue, supporting healing in chronic and diabetic wounds.