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con-tra'-in-di-ca'-tion - a symptom or condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable. Nevertheless, there are preexisting conditions that must be taken into account when determining if HBO therapy is appropriate for a particular patient. We list the following contraindications in order of severity:
There is only one absolute contraindication to HBO therapy: untreated pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is a condition where air or gas is trapped in the fluid membrane surrounding the lungs. Surgical relief can remove this obstacle. Also, patients should not undergo HBO therapy if they are taking or have recently taken the following drugs:
Upper respiratory infections - These conditions can make it difficult for the patient to clear their ears, which can result in what is termed sinus squeeze. You can interrupt HBO treatment for a few days while the infection clears or decongestants can be used. High fevers - In most cases the fever should be lowered before HBO treatment begins. Seizure disorders - At the Chico Hyperbaric Center (CHC), we evaluate seizure disorders on a case-by-case basis. When CHC President, Mitchell Hoggard recently asked Hyperbaric specialist Dr. Phillip James of Scotland about treating children with cerebral palsy who suffered from seizures, Dr. James said, "It's not a problem." James went on to say that when treating a patient in a multiplace chamber, he recommends simply removing the hood of the patient experiencing the seizure, wait for the seizure to stop, then continue with the treatment. Of course, this is a very broad recommendation. A detailed and individual assessment is necessary in each case. Emphysema with CO2 retention - This condition can lead to pneumothorax during HBO treatment (see Absolute Contraindications, above). History of thoracic (chest) surgery - This is rarely a problem and usually not considered a contraindication. However, there is concern that air may be trapped in lesions that were created by surgical scarring. These conditions need to be evaluated prior to considering HBO therapy. Pregnancy - Many successful HBO treatments have been completed during pregnancy without danger to the fetus. However, there is concern that exposure to HBO early in a pregnancy can increase the chance of congenital problems in the fetus. Exposure to HBO later in the pregnancy appears to have no adverse effects. Each case is evaluated individually. Malignant disease - It was once believed that HBO therapy and the subsequent increase in oxygen could accelerate the growth of tumors. Current research indicates this is not a concern. At the Chico Hyperbaric Center, blood pressure is closely monitored prior to entering the chamber to ensure that a patient's blood pressure is not already elevated. Simply, our medical staff will not clear patients for treatment if their blood pressure is too high. Asthma - A patient with acute asthma can be at increased risk. Therefore, we evaluate asthma on a case-by-case basis. Diabetes - HBO therapy can lower a patient's blood sugar level. We recommend that patients diagnosed with diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) eat prior to each HBO treatment in order to maintain adequate blood sugar levels during treatment. In the case of diabetic or hypoglycemic patients, our staff tests to determine blood sugar levels prior to each HBO treatment. Special considerations for infants - There are three considerations when treating pre-term (or premature) infants and newly born infants (neonates) with HBO therapy.
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