What Researchers Did
Researchers studied 20 healthy patients who underwent 21 daily hyperbaric oxygen treatments, each lasting 90 minutes at 2.4 atmospheres absolute (ATA), to measure the effects on their lung function.
What They Found
During treatment, patients experienced a progressive reduction in lung function, specifically a 4.4% decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and a 10.3% decrease in forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75%) by day 21. The ability of the lungs to transfer carbon monoxide (TL,CO) was also slightly reduced on day 21. These changes partially returned to normal within 3-4 weeks after the treatments concluded, and were not considered clinically significant for a single course of treatment.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This research suggests that Canadian patients undergoing a standard course of 21 HBOT sessions may experience minor, temporary changes in their small airway function, such as a slight reduction in breathing capacity. While these changes generally resolve after treatment, patients should be aware of potential mild, temporary respiratory symptoms like a nonproductive cough.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This study involved a small group of healthy individuals and did not assess the effects of repeated hyperbaric oxygen treatment series or long-term outcomes.