Treatment
- How is HBOT administered?
- Who Can Benefit from HBOT?
- Approved Indications for HBOT
- What to expect during treatment
- What you can bring into the chamber
What to Expect
Before you can take your first treatment, or “dive”, in one of our hyperbaric chambers, you must schedule a consultation appointment with our specially trained hyperbaric physician, Woodie Fritz, M.D. at the Fritz Clinic, conveniently located upstairs from the Hyperbaric Center of Alabama. Physician referrals are not necessary. Click here for contact information to make your consultation appointment.
At your consultation appointment, Dr. Fritz will review your medical history and determine your physical candidacy for treatment. If you are considered a qualified candidate for treatment, you will return for subsequent visits to the Hyperbaric Center of Alabama. You will likely not have an HBOT treatment during your first visit.
Here are some good points to note when you visit the Hyperbaric Center of Alabama for your hyperbaric oxygen treatments:
Medications: Some medications are not compatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Provide the doctor and staff with a complete drug history. Each drug a patient is taking will be considered individually in relation to HBOT and if changes in either medication or schedule are necessary, the patient's physician will be advised.
Cold and flu symptoms: It is important to notify the hyperbaric staff of a cold or the flu—including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever blisters, cold sores, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or general body aches. It may be difficult for patients to clear their ears when these symptoms are present. The HBO treatments may be postponed until the patient's symptoms have subsided and he or she is cleared to resume treatments.
Smoking: Nicotine is another substance that is incompatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Once HBOT has been prescribed, the patient will be encouraged to stop smoking until the therapy is complete. This "no smoking" rule applies to all forms of tobacco use.
Cosmetics: Any make-up, hair spray, perfume or shaving lotion containing a petroleum or alcohol base is not allowed during the treatment session.
Clothing: Patients will be provided 100% clean cotton clothing for treatment. Watches and prosthetic devices are also to be removed before treatment. Personal cleanliness is also very important to the effectiveness of the treatment and comfort of fellow patients.
Learn what you can take into the chamber with you here.