Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a specialized medical treatment in which the patient breathes pure oxygen in a pressurised environment. Its purpose is to increase tissue oxygenation and support the body’s natural healing and recovery mechanisms.
However, like every medical treatment, it is not suitable for everyone. Contraindications to hyperbaric oxygen therapy must be assessed carefully before treatment begins to ensure that it is applied safely and according to the individual patient’s needs.
For a broader overview of the method, you can first read about what hyperbaric oxygen is.
What Does Contraindication Mean?
A contraindication is any medical condition that may make a treatment unsuitable or require special precautions. In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, contraindications are generally classified as absolute or relative.
An absolute contraindication means that treatment should not proceed unless the risk has first been addressed. A relative contraindication does not always exclude the patient, but it requires medical assessment, modification of the treatment plan or additional investigations.
The Main Absolute Contraindication
The principal absolute contraindication to hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an untreated pneumothorax. This is a condition in which air is present in the space surrounding the lung. Because the treatment involves changes in pressure, an untreated pneumothorax may worsen and become dangerous. International medical literature identifies untreated pneumothorax as the only absolute contraindication to HBOT.
This does not mean that any previous history of pneumothorax permanently excludes a patient from treatment. It does, however, mean that a full medical assessment is required before any decision is made.
Relative Contraindications Requiring Caution
Certain conditions do not always prevent treatment, but they must be reported to the doctor before it begins.
These may include:
- severe respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or uncontrolled asthma
- a history of spontaneous pneumothorax
- an active cold, sinusitis or upper respiratory tract infection
- difficulty equalising pressure in the ears
- high fever
- a history of epilepsy
- severe claustrophobia
- pregnancy
- diabetes mellitus with episodes of hypoglycaemia
- recent ophthalmic surgery
- the use of certain medications or recent chemotherapy
These conditions require individual assessment, as they may affect the patient’s tolerance of treatment, its safety or the way in which it is administered. Careful evaluation before treatment is considered essential for patients with chronic medical conditions.
Why Is Medical Assessment Essential?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should not begin solely on the basis of the patient’s preference or a general indication. A detailed medical history must be taken, and the diagnosis, coexisting conditions, medication and overall health must be evaluated.
During the assessment, the doctor determines whether the patient is a suitable candidate, whether treatment should be postponed or whether specific precautions are required. This process is an integral part of safe treatment and is directly related to how hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered.
Who May Be a Suitable Candidate?
Suitable candidates are individuals who have a recognized medical indication and no contraindications that would make treatment unsafe. The final decision is based not only on the condition being treated, but also on the patient’s overall clinical profile.
For further information, read about who hyperbaric oxygen therapy is suitable for.
For additional questions, you can consult the frequently asked questions about hyperbaric oxygen or request an individual medical assessment.