Medical risks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy | 合法醫療器材資訊網

Complicationsofhyperbaricoxygentherapy·Barotraumaoftheear·Roundorovalwindowrupture·Sinussqueeze·Toothsqueeze·Pneumothoraxorpulmonary ...

Pulmonary barotruama refers to damage to the lung tissue as a result of pressure change, resulting in air leaking from the lungs into the chest cavity causing a dropped lung, or pneumothroax. This generally occurs in patients with air trapping lesions in the lungs, such as can occur in emphysema or asthma. During decompression, these air-filled pockets will begin to expand, and, if the pressure is not relieved by the airways in the lungs, these pockets can rupture. This released air can cause excess pressure in the chest cavity leading to difficulty breathing and decreased blood pressure that can result in death if untreated. Treatment consists of emergency evacuation of air from the chest cavity by inserting a needle through the chest wall, and, subsequently, placing a chest tube to re-expand the lung.