Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HbOT) treatment for children involves placing a child inside a pressurized chamber, where they breathe almost 100% oxygen at above normal atmospheric pressure.
This boosts the amount of oxygen absorbed into their bloodstream and tissues, thus enhancing their body’s natural healing capabilities by reducing swelling and fighting infection.
At Oxify treatment centres in Leeds, Manchester, Retford, Newcastle/Gateshead or York, we take the physical and mental health of children and parental anxiety very seriously.
Our goal is to ensure that the process of HbOT treatments for children is as smooth as possible, that your child is well looked after, so they feel safe and relaxed during HbOT sessions.
We allow children of any age into our chambers and most children (especially those up to the age of seven), can be accompanied by a parent this ensures they feel secure, safe and protected, and minimises any negative effects of a new (and what may be scary), environment.
Please Note: HbOT is a complementary therapy and Oxify does not recommend it as an alternative treatment to conventional paediatric medicine. If you are unsure, please consult your child’s doctor.
HbOT treatments for children are already used in conjunction with conventional paediatric medicine in well-established emergency uses and acute conditions, such as:
(Reference: Stanford Children’s Health.)
At Oxify, we have experienced some success in the treatment of two children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and you can find the video testimonials of their parents below.
However, it should be noted that in experimental uses such as ASD, although some reports and parental anecdotes suggest improvements in communication, awareness, and behaviour, these findings are not yet conclusive or corroborated by scientific data.
More trials are required to establish evidential proof of the effectiveness of HbOT for ASD.
The most frequently reported side effects of HbOT treatments for children are pressure-related ear issues because of the higher pressure.
It is similar to the experience of going on a flight, when the change in air pressure inside the cabin can result in blocked hearing and blowing the nose, sucking a sweet or other methods are suggested to avoid middle ear barotrauma.
Other rare but possible risks include sinus pressure, oxygen toxicity, changes in vision, claustrophobia, and (in very rare cases) lung complications or seizures (sources: Verywell Health, Wikipedia).
If your child is currently suffering from:
And you would like to discuss the potential benefits of HbOT treatments for children as a complementary therapy in conjunction with conventional paediatric medicine, please call us or complete our contact form. A member of the Oxify team will be happy to explain the process and the measures we take when treating children. We have centres in Leeds, Manchester, Retford, Newcastle/Gateshead and York, so if you would like to book a taster session for your child, simply choose your most convenient location.