Bangkok Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center

Bangkok Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center utilizes hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. The procedure involves the infusion of oxygen into a hyperbaric chamber at a level higher than that found in the atmosphere.

HBO was developed for the treatment of decompression sickness and air embolism in divers, pilots and astronauts working at various levels of atmospheric pressure. This technology has also been adapted to effectively treat numerous unrelated conditions such as diabetic ulcers and post-operative swelling.  

How Oxygen Works

When we inhale, oxygen is taken into the lungs, moves through the alveoli into the blood, and combines with hemoglobin in the red blood cells. As the he art pumps blood throughout the body, the oxygen is delivered to our tissues and cells. The red blood cells then travel through the veins back to the heart and lungs to be replenished with a new supply of oxygen.

The body must maintain an adequate supply of oxygen at all times, particularly to the heart and brain; any deficiency will cause the cells to stop working or die. 

Oxygen Treatment

Life-giving oxygen has been used in the treatment of numerous diseases and injuries through the administration of 100% pure oxygen to the patient. Some cases, however, do not respond to oxygen delivered under normal pressure, which is where HBO can provide greater benefits. 

How HBO Works 

HBO forces oxygen into the blood stream at approximately three times normal atmospheric pressure, resulting in a concentration of oxygen that is 20 times the normal level. Tissue swelling decreases, new blood vessels are formed, and wounds heal faster. The ability of white blood cells to combat germs improves, and anaerobic bacteria stop regenerating or die. 

HBO is utilized in the treatment of: 

• Decompression sickness
• Brain and spinal cord swelling
• Oxygen deprivation in tissues following injuries
• Post-operative wound swelling
• Severe or chronic musculoskeletal infections
• Post-radiation tissue trauma
• Chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and bed sores
• Gas poisoning such as carbon monoxide poisoning
• Blood loss, in cases where transfusion is not possible
• Burns

Scientists are also looking into the use of HBO for ischemic brain disease, sports injuries, malaria and many other diseases and conditions.

Contraindications

The only absolute contraindication to HBO therapy is untreated pneumothorax. Patients should also refrain from undergoing HBO therapy if they are taking or have recently taken the following drugs:

• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) - a chemotherapeutic drug
• Disulfiram (Antabuse) - used in the treatment of alcoholism
• Cis-Platinum - a cancer drug
• Mafenide Acetate (Sulfamylon) - to suppress bacterial infections in burn wounds

The following are relative contraindications:

• Upper respiratory infections - These conditions can make it difficult for the patient to clear their ears, which can result in what is called sinus squeeze.
• High fevers - In most cases, the fever should be reduced before commencing HBO treatment.
• Emphysema with carbon dioxide retention - This condition can lead to pneumothorax during HBO treatment.
• A history of thoracic (chest) surgery - This is rarely a problem and often not considered a contraindication. However, there is concern that air may be trapped in lesions that were created by surgical scarring, and the patient's condition needs to be evaluated prior to considering HBO therapy.
• Malignant diseases - Since cancers both thrive in blood-rich environments and may be suppressed in high-oxygen environments, cancer and HBO poses a dilemma as HBO both increases blood flow via angiogenesis and raises oxygen levels. Taking an anti-angiogenic supplement may provide a solution to this problem.

Side-effects of HBO

Relative complications of HBO therapy may include seizures, though this only occurs at pressures greater than 3 atm and can be easily prevented by using lower pressure during treatment. Barotrauma is another side-effect, resulting in ear or sinus pain.

Administered by Specialist Physicians

HBO offers many benefits, but there are also dangers associated with the procedure, and the treatment should only be administered under the close monitoring of highly trained physicians and nurses.

At Bangkok Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, treatments are administered by experienced physicians specialized in aviation and underwater medicine from the Royal Thai Air Force and Navy. This, combined with the most sophisticated technology and equipment, ensures the highest level of patient care.

For the safety and comfort of our patients, the Bangkok Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center utilizes a "monoplace," or single-person, chamber. While receiving treatment, patients can watch television, listen to their favorite music, or take a relaxing nap.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - providing innovative and effective treatment for a wide range of conditions including:

• Persistent diabetic ulcers
• Spreading burns
• Inhalation and gas poisoning
• Facial swelling resulting from tooth extraction

Contact the Bangkok Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center today to learn more about the many benefits of oxygen therapy.

For more information, please contact
Bangkok Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center
Tel. (662) 310 3002, (662) 755 1002
Email : info@bangkokhospital.com