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Guidelines for Repeating Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, commonly referred to as painful bladder syndrome, is characterized by uncomfortable bladder pressure, bladder pain and, sometimes, pelvic pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, an estimated one million people are affected by this condition, the majority of them women. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an approach that shows promise.

  1. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

    • When undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients breathe 100 percent oxygen at pressures two to three times greater than atmospheric (sea level) pressure. By forcing oxygen into tissues at controlled pressure, oxygen content in red blood cells will increase to promote healing of damaged tissues. HBO therapy is a more effective way of forcing oxygen into tissues than topical applications.

    Benefits

    • According to the Henry Spink Foundation, HBO therapy yields a number of benefits. Introducing high levels of oxygen at high pressure can provide immediate support to areas with compromised blood flow. Supporting these compromised areas with oxygen can sustain tissue viability

      HBO therapy can also promote the formation of new capillaries, which in turn can increase blood flow. Increased blood flow brings more nutrients to affected areas to facilitate healing.

      In addition, HBO therapy boosts the immune system by enhancing the killing abilities of white blood cells to destroy germs, toxins and free radicals.

    Protocol for Using HBO Therapy

    • Although oxygen under increased pressure can produce beneficial effects, it can also produce toxic effects if administered wrongly. As such, medically trained personal should administer this procedure in hyperbaric chambers (enclosed cubicles). The hyperbaric pressure inside the chamber is increased slowly, and when the treatment is completed, normal pressure is restored slowly.

    Guidelines for Using HBO Therapy

    • Albany Medical Center says that the number of HBO treatments is different for each patient, depending on the clinical response of the individual. On average, each treatment lasts approximately two hours. It can be administered once or twice daily. As many as 10 to 12 treatments may be necessary. In cases where angiogenesis (generating blood vessels) is the primary goal, 30 to 40 treatments may be necessary.

      HBO therapy should not be used to replace traditional treatment but can be used as an adjunct treatment to enhance healing

    Side Effects

    • Patients undergoing HBO therapy may experience ear discomfort, blocked sinuses or temporary changes to vision. Children may require tubes in their ears. HBO therapy is not recommended for patients with lung abnormality.

    Effective Treatment

    • An article entitled, "Hyperbaric Oxygen for the Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis," published on July 2004 in "European Urology," reported that a small pilot study revealed that HBO is effective in treating interstitial cystitis. The treatment resulted in sustained decrease of pelvic pain and urgency to urinate. It also improved functional bladder capacity.

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