Cons of Hyperbaric Chambers

A hyperbaric chamber, often used for medicinal purposes, delivers a high concentration of oxygen to treat several types of illnesses and physical conditions. Most chambers resemble a sun tanning bed with room for one or more patients to lay inside. While inside the chamber, a patient receives intervals of high levels of oxygen through a mask. The oxygen, combined with the pressure inside the chamber, aids in treating ailments such as carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, diabetic ulcers and extreme blood loss. Although hyperbaric chambers improve some health problems, there are several cons associated with their use.

Explosions

• High concentrations of oxygen, similar to those used in hyperbaric chambers, are highly flammable. Accordingly, chambers are prone to spark fire or explode, especially if used improperly. The British Medical Journal lists flammability risks as the most common problem with the chambers.

  Fire hazard risks are lessened when a chamber is operated properly and when patients avoid using flammable items while in the chamber, such as make-up, hairspray, after shave, hearing aids and nail polish.

Vision Problems

• The use of a hyperbaric chamber can cause a patient to develop vision problems. Myopia, a condition that causes blurry vision and extensive near-sightedness, is the most common side effect and results from toxic levels of oxygen on an eye lens. Myopia may last for several weeks or months after chamber exposure, but it is typically reversible. A patient's vision usually returns to normal about six weeks after chamber therapy ends. Also, patients with cataracts may notice a worsening of the condition.

Ruptured Lungs

• A patient's lungs could rupture as a result of the air pressure changes that occur while a chamber is in use. This only occurs if there is a block in the lungs during decompression that prevents the usual flow of air. To alleviate this risk, patients are advised to breathe naturally and avoid holding their breathe while in the chamber.

Ear and Sinus Damage

• A patient may experience ear and sinus problems after hyperbaric treatments. Serous otitis, a condition caused by fluid in the ears, happens when a patient inhales high levels of oxygen and it usually dissipates after chamber treatments end. Also, pain in the ears or sinuses may occur due to the pressure levels in a chamber. In this instance, pressure levels are decreased until the pain disappears. If the ear and sinus problems continue, chamber treatments are halted until sinus and ear problems disappear.