What preparations should the patient make before entering the hyperbaric oxygen chamber?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment modality involving breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment exceeding one atmosphere absolute (ATA). It is commonly used for various types of brain injuries—such as traumatic brain injury and post-craniotomy recovery—and serves as an effective adjunctive therapy. HBOT can improve outcomes following traumatic brain injury, increase cure rates, and reduce disability rates. So, what preparations are required before a patient enters the hyperbaric oxygen chamber? The following section addresses this question.

Preparations Required Before Entering the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

1. Patients should eat a normal meal prior to entering the chamber. Avoid consuming gas-producing foods immediately before treatment—including carbonated beverages, soy products, and radishes. Empty the bladder and bowel before entering the chamber.

2. Prior to each session, proactively inform the hyperbaric oxygen staff about any changes in your condition. If you experience discomfort at any time, promptly notify medical personnel for necessary observation, examination, or intervention.

3. Before entering the hyperbaric chamber, patients must wear designated chamber gowns and change into 100% cotton undergarments. Clothing made from synthetic fibers—such as spandex, acrylic, nylon, or wool—that may generate static electricity is strictly prohibited.

4. Flammable, explosive, or electronic items—including matches, lighters, car keys, mobile phones, battery-powered toys, and gasoline—are strictly forbidden inside the chamber. Watches, hearing aids, fountain pens, and similar items are also not recommended, as they may be damaged during pressurization.

Knowledge Expansion: Who Should Not Undergo Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

1. Absolute Contraindications

Untreated pneumothorax; concurrent use of disulfiram; concurrent administration of certain antineoplastic agents—including bleomycin, doxorubicin, and cisplatin; and premature or extremely low-birth-weight infants. Additionally, conditions such as severe emphysema, pulmonary bullae, markedly elevated blood pressure, heart rate below 50 bpm, second-degree atrioventricular block, retinal detachment, and active bleeding require special attention and careful evaluation by a specialist in hyperbaric medicine to determine individual suitability for HBOT.

2. Relative Contraindications

These represent relative safety concerns and include the perioperative period following thoracic or middle-ear surgery; active respiratory viral infections; uncontrolled epilepsy; high fever; claustrophobia; basilar skull fracture with cerebrospinal fluid leakage; hereditary spherocytosis; and uncontrolled hypertension. Pregnant women within the first trimester are generally advised against repeated HBOT sessions unless medically indicated. However, decisions must always be individualized and cannot be generalized.

The above outlines essential pre-chamber preparations for patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We hope this information proves helpful to you.