Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment in which a person breathes 90-95% oxygen while inside a chamber that is pressurised to a level higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This increases the amount of oxygen in the person's blood, which can help with injury to illness, to ageing.

HBOT is typically administered in a hyperbaric chamber. The person will breathe 90-95% oxygen through a mask or hood while inside the chamber, which is gradually pressurised to the desired level. The treatment sessions typically last for one hour.

The most common side effects of HBOT include ear and sinus pain, and temporary changes in vision such as nearsightedness or mild haziness. These side effects are typically mild and can be treated with ear drops or other medications.

HBOT may not be suitable for everyone, and certain medical conditions or medications may contraindicate the use of HBOT. It is important to discuss your medical history and any current medications with your healthcare provider before starting HBOT.

HBOT is generally safe, and serious complications are rare. The most common complication after HBOT is trauma to the middle ear and sinus pain.

It depends on the condition. With repeated treatments, the temporary extra high oxygen levels encourage normal tissue oxygen levels, even after the therapy is completed.

Oxygen therapy is very safe, but in general you should not receive this treatment if you

• Have had a recent ear surgery or injury
• Have a pacemaker
• Are pregnant
• Have a collapsed lung, or certain lung conditions/diseases.
• Take certain chemotherapy drugs
• Take the drug disulfiram (Antabuse)
• Use the topical cream sulfamylon
• Have heart failure; oxygen therapy can make symptoms worse
• Have a cold or a fever, this could increase the chances of ear pain.
• Are claustrophobic
• Have a history of epilepsy
• Have a history of panic attacks/anxiety
• Have a history of inner ear problems/sinus problems
• Take blood thinning medication such as Warfarin