Hyperbaric wound care is a procedure that entails exposing the body to 100% oxygen at a pressure that is greater than the one your body is used to. This procedure is done in a special pressure chamber or by use of an oxygen gas mask. The process has also been used in treating scuba diving complications. Oxygen aids by speeding up the healing process of stubborn wounds and helping wounds heal properly. The growth of new blood vessels is stimulated which helps improve circulation and wood healing. Supplying the blood vessels with 100% oxygen is not only important in healing wounds but it also helps fight infections.
Research shows that hyperbaric wound care can be used in the treatment of a wide range to wounds. Topical hyperbaric therapy for instance can be used to target a specific area in the body. For example if the wound in on your hand, the hand is wrapped in a plastic bag, oxygen is then supplied to the hand at a high pressure. This treatment can be used to treat: soft tissue infections, fungal infection, thermal burns, bone infection, skin flaps and grafts, delayed radiation injuries and diabetes related wounds among others. Research shows that the therapy reduces the risk of amputation, an option that is particularly common for people with diabetic wounds.
When you undergo hyperbaric wound care there are a couple of things that you may be asked. You will be required to provide: a list any medication you are currently using; insurance forms and medical records; any allergies you may suffer from and if you are diabetic you will need to provide the medication and snack food. After the doctor has examined you, you can then begin the therapy after changing into a garment that is 100% cotton.
In order to ensure the treatment is successful, avoid smoking or using any tobacco products. Tobacco has a constricting effect on the blood vessels which can end up prolonging or even preventing the wound from healing. During hyperbaric wound care a technical will be at your side. They will be there to help prevent you from experiencing any discomfort during the procedure. If you feel anything weird do not hesitate to inform them. You should relax and breathe normally through the procedure. You are free to watch TV, listen to music or sleep during the therapy so as to be more comfortable.
When you can completed the hyperbaric wound care procedure the technician will slowly depressurize the chamber. Most sessions last for a period of 30 minutes to two hours. All this depends on the degree of severity of your wound; if the wound is mild then you will take a shorter time in the chamber. You may feel tired or lightheaded after the procedure but this is very mild and is actually normal. The feeling will go away after a short time and you will feel great. For those who may be diabetic, please continue to eat properly and to take your medication. The technician will check your blood sugar before and after every treatment you go to.
