What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed the various side effects and complications associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
They found that middle ear barotrauma, occurring in up to 2% of treated patients, and claustrophobia were the most frequent and benign side effects. More severe but rare side effects included oxygen toxicity, manifesting as progressive myopia, pulmonary dyspnea, or seizures, especially at higher oxygen pressures.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be informed about potential side effects like ear barotrauma and claustrophobia, and taught preventive techniques. Awareness of rarer but more serious oxygen toxicity symptoms, such as vision changes or breathing difficulties, is crucial for timely intervention.
Canadian Relevance
This review did not specifically focus on Canadian patients or healthcare settings.
Study Limitations
As a review, this study synthesizes existing literature without presenting new primary data or specific patient outcomes.