Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has emerged as an effective alternative
treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Hyperbaric chambers
have been to counter autism since 2004 and has become highly popular
in the autistic community. It uses pure oxygen in a pressurized
environment, which is above the sea level, to allow it to reach the
damaged tissues.
While the blood functions as the oxygen carrier of our body, under
increased air pressure pure oxygen gets dissolved in the plasma as
well. The blood plasma carries the oxygen to damaged and inflamed
portions of the brain where the blood flow is either little or
limited resulting in oxygen deprivation. The delivery of pure oxygen
has displayed a number of positive biochemical and physiological
effects by boosting the natural healing power of the body.
However, similar to other medical treatments, a patient suffering
from ASD must prepare himself or herself prior to entering a
hyperbaric chamber for an HBOT session. This article will act as a
guide to help the patient have a successful and pleasant experience
in his/her first HBOT session.
Preparing for Hyperbaric Chambers and HBOT Session
Before the HBOT Session
What to Wear?
Patients are allowed to enter hyperbaric chambers only after
showering and dressing in comfortable cotton clothes. Doctors also
advise not to apply any type of medical ointment on a wound prior to
entering a compartment. Additionally, very few personal items are
allowed inside the hyperbaric chambers.
Therefore, the patient will be asked not to wear any kind of
cosmetic, nail varnish, nail polish, jewelry, wigs, watch,
deodorant, body oils, and more. While these are some of the most
common items which are asked to be removed before the start of an
HBOT session, a more comprehensive list will be provided by the
medical facility to the family members of the patient when they sign
up for this treatment procedure. Patients are asked not to apply or
wear these items to reduce the risk of fire and also to prevent
harmful vapors from forming inside the chamber.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders
What to Eat?
Doctors advise patients to eat a nutritious and light meal one or
two hours prior to the commencement of the HBOT treatment. Moreover,
the positive effects of HBOT can only be noticed if the therapy is
allowed to be completed uninterrupted. So, it is better to take
restroom breaks before stepping into the hyperbaric chamber. This
will allow the session to continue without a break and will allow
the patient to have a pleasant and enriching experience.
How to Prepare?
Before stepping into the hyperbaric chamber, an autistic individual
must be taught to practice equalizing the pressure around the middle
ear. This will help in countering ear pain when the pressure is
increased steadily inside the chamber. The hyperbaric technician
will perform the final check to assess the patient’s condition
before sliding him/her into the hyperbaric chamber.
During the HBOT Session
Once the patient is placed on the gurney and pushed inside the
hyperbaric chamber, the HBOT session will be carried out in three
different phases, namely, compression, the actual treatment, and
decompression. Here we explore in detail each stage to get an
overall idea of the treatment process.
Compression:
The HBO therapy is carried out at air pressures greater than what we
experience at sea level. Therefore, to reach the desired pressure,
the air inside hyperbaric chambers will have to undergo the process
of compression. Once the patient is placed in the chamber, he/she
might feel a little warm as the pressure is increased steadily.
However, the most obvious indication of the rising pressure would be
the fullness in the ear. This feeling is similar to the one we feel
during the takeoff and landing of an airplane.
HBO Therapy Treatment:
The actual treatment starts when the hyperbaric chambers are filled
with pure oxygen at the right atmospheric pressure. The level of air
pressure varies from patient to patient depending on the severity of
the condition and the doctor’s prescription. Regardless, the air
pressure will always be above 1 atm (atmospheric pressure).
Normally, an HBOT session lasts between 90 to 120 minutes, as
prescribed by the doctor. The patient is free to rest, sleep, or
watch programs to keep themselves occupied during this time.
Decompression:
At the end of the HBOT session, the hyperbaric chamber technician
will slowly start to reduce the pressure inside the compartment.
Once the decompression or de-pressurization process starts, the
patient might feel cool inside the chamber. It is important to keep
breathing normally rather than holding the breath as it may result
in the expansion of gas within the lung, causing massive internal
injury. Doctors always advise their patient never to hold their
breath inside hyperbaric chambers.
After the HBOT Session:
Right after the end of an HBOT session, it is normal to feel
lightheaded and experience mild fatigue. In addition, the patient
will also need to perform the Valsalva Maneuver to bring the air
pressure around the eardrums back to normal. For the uninitiated,
the Valsalva Maneuver is carried out by pinching the nose, closing
the mouth, and blowing out. If not this, yawning also helps to relax
the air pressure around the ear.
In Conclusion:
Hyperbaric chambers and HBOT sessions is a peaceful and pleasant
experience. However, in case the patient is feeling unwell or
suffering from possible side effects subsequent to an HBOT session,
it is best to consult the doctor or get in touch with the hyperbaric
physician as soon as possible.
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