Edema is a condition characterized by the buildup of fluid in the tissues, causing swelling. While it can affect any body area, it often affects the hands, feet, legs, and arms. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective treatment option that can help to reduce swelling and improve symptoms. Let’s dig deeper into what causes edema, its symptoms, and how hyperbaric oxygen treatment for this condition works.
What Causes Edema?
Knowing the cause of swelling in your body can help you better understand your condition and make more informed decisions about your treatment options. Here are some of the potential causes of edema:
- Lifestyle factors: Spending most of your time sitting or standing in one place can cause fluid to build up in your tissues. Eating a high-sodium diet can also contribute to edema.
- Medical conditions: Edema can be a side effect of certain medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, cirrhosis, chronic venous insufficiency, damage to the lymphatic system, and kidney disease. It can also be a symptom of an allergy.
- Injury: An injury can cause fluid build-up in the tissues around the injury. This is often seen in people who have had a stroke or who have sustained a head injury.
- Pregnancy: Edema is common in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. That happens due to the increased pressure on the blood vessels and the fact that the body is producing more fluid.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause edema, such as steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), estrogens, and birth control pills.
Symptoms of Edema
The most apparent symptom of edema is the swelling itself. However, some other symptoms may accompany the swelling. For example, your skin may feel stretched or shiny and retain pits when pressed (this is known as pitting edema). If you’re suffering from leg edema, you may also feel heaviness in your legs, which can give you trouble walking. Pulmonary edema, which is edema in the lungs, can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Edema
When excess fluid accumulates in the tissues, it can cause a decrease in oxygen levels. This can lead to further swelling and tissue damage. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment helps reverse these effects by delivering high oxygen concentrations to the affected tissues. That allows the cells to function properly and reduces swelling.
In addition to delivering oxygen to the cells, hyperbaric oxygen treatment also stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells. These help to repair tissue damage and promote healing. It also boosts blood circulation, strengthens the immune system, and prevents reperfusion injury, all of which can contribute to quicker edema recovery.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Work?
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment occurs in a chamber where the patient breathes in 100% pure oxygen. The chamber is pressurized to help deliver oxygen to the tissues. The amount of pressure and the time you spend in the chamber will depend on your condition and the severity of your symptoms.
During treatment, you may feel a fullness in your ears or a slight pressure change. You may also experience side effects, such as fatigue, a headache, or mild anxiety. These side effects are typically short-lived and go away once treatment is complete.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is usually given in a series of sessions, each lasting around two hours. The number of sessions you’ll need will depend on your situation and how well you respond to treatment. Most people see a significant improvement after 10 to 20 sessions.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Edema Treatment Safe?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally safe and well tolerated. Any side effects during the process are typically mild and go away after treatment completion. However, experts recommend that you consult your doctor before undergoing this therapy, especially if you have a preexisting medical condition. You should also choose a reputable and experienced provider to ensure the highest levels of safety and effectiveness.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an excellent option if you’re looking for an effective and safe treatment for edema. This therapy can help reduce swelling, improve oxygenation, and promote healing. It’s generally well-tolerated and has a low risk of side effects. Consult a medical professional to determine if this treatment is right for you and get started on your path to recovery.
