Hyperbaric medicine
Hyperbaric medicine uses increased atmospheric pressure as a treatment method. This commonly involves hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), to provide increased amounts of oxygen to the body and reinforce healing.
Pediatric hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in Denver
Your child deserves effective, healing wound care.
The Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children is recognized nationally as a leader in HBOT. We will treat your child with warmth as we use advanced treatments to help them heal quickly and thoroughly.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is available just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is available just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Conditions we treat with hyperbaric therapy
HBOT has been used to treat many health concerns in children, including:
- Burns
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Decompression sickness
- Embolism
- Radiation therapy injuries
- Skin grafts or flaps
- Wound healing
Our hyperbaric medicine program
Our hyperbaric medicine specialists offer services that support your child and family from start to finish. We work hard to create a healing environment and help everyone understand what to expect from treatment.
Hyperbaric oxygen services
Hyperbaric services are provided at the request of your child’s primary care physician or emergency physician. Our pediatric hyperbaric medicine services include:
- Medical assessment of patients and the establishment of care plans
- Hyperbaric treatment
- Wound management, in conjunction with hyperbaric treatment
- Patient and family education
- Diving physicals/fitness to dive
- Regional referral center for the Divers Alert Network
Pediatric hyperbaric therapy consultations
Our HBOT team is available for phone consultations for:
- Altitude and sea level diving
- Proper application of HBOT
What to expect with HBOT
Knowing what will happen at each stage of the process can help your child adjust to treatment. Our wound care specialists are here to help your child understand HBOT in a child-appropriate manner.
Before going into the hyperbaric chamber
Your child should come to our facility wearing comfortable clothes. Older children and teens should bring a book or an activity they can do while they are in the chamber because the procedure can last from 30 minutes to two hours. In most cases, specialized care after HBOT for children is not needed. Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions.
During hyperbaric treatment
A technician will gradually pressurize the chamber with 100 percent oxygen. Your child will be able to talk to this person. While in the chamber, your child will be instructed to relax and breathe normally. If your child’s ears pop or if they have discomfort, let the technician know so the pressure can be lowered. To relieve any discomfort, your child should swallow or blow with his or her nose.
After getting to the right pressure, your child will be fitted with a clear mask that will deliver oxygen. If your child is at high risk for oxygen toxicity, they may be allowed to breathe regular air for brief periods.
After hyperbaric treatment
Over a period of several minutes, the technician will slowly depressurize the hyperbaric chamber. Your child will likely have some ear popping and feel lightheaded and tired. However, your child should be able to go back to his or her daily activities. Your child may have more than one session over a period of several days.
When to call your doctor after HBOT
After you leave the hospital, contact your child’s doctor if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Discomfort or pain in the sinuses or ears
- Onset of seizures
- Vision problems
- Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain
FAQs about HBOT
Hyperbaric medicine is a treatment requiring increased atmospheric pressure. One common component, HBOT, uses higher atmospheric pressure to provide increased amounts of oxygen to the body to reinforce healing.
How does HBOT work?
HBOT involves breathing 100 percent oxygen in a sealed chamber. This concentration is five times higher than the normal air we breathe. The chamber is also pressurized to create up to three times the normal atmospheric pressure. These changes can improve blood circulation and the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to the body.
What are the benefits of pediatric HBOT?
HBOT has been proven to promote the healing process and aid in fighting infection. HBOT allows your child’s lungs to procure more oxygen, which increases oxygen levels in the blood. This increase in oxygen helps your child’s body regain proper levels of gases in the blood and increase tissue function.
Your child’s body is able to do its best healing when it is supplied with the resources it needs, like oxygen. HBOT helps the body gather and maintain these resources for optimal healing results.
Looking for a location?
Our Hyperbaric medicine Locations