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WHAT IS HBOT?

It is basic knowledge that we cannot live without oxygen. We live with it every second of our lives.

But we also know that because of the pollution caused by smoke from factory and industrial exhaust, unfiltered vehicle mufflers, burning of leaves and garbage, etc., the air we now breathe has become dirty and polluted and full of harmful elements detrimental to our health.

Because of this, a lot of diseases have become more prevalent and life threatening like those who suffer from asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), heart disease, respiratory infections and worse, Lung Cancer. If not treated well and given immediate care, these conditions may require prolonged hospitalization and even death.

If there is one good thing that has come out from all these unfortunate disasters and destruction, it is how science has invented machines and devices to heal and restore our health. One of these is the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber, an oxygen chamber engineered and built in Germany.

It is in this chamber where HBOT, a non-invasive, well-established medical procedure is being done. The treatment enhances the body’s natural healing process and strengthens the immune system by using prescribed high-pressure oxygen thereby treating a variety of diseases and other health conditions.

HOW DOES HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY WORK?

We breathe in oxygen and exhale it out since we were brought into this world. I remember stories told to me when I was young on how the doctor would turn a new born baby upside down and tap him. Once the baby cries oxygen flows through his system…they know he is alive. That’s how important O2 is to all living things. Oxygen is the body’s most essential nutrient which makes up about 21% of the air we breathe.

You may ask, what does hyperbaric mean?

The term hyperbaric is defined as gas at a pressure greater than normal. Compared to breathing normal air at sea level, hyperbaric oxygen rich air will drive up to 12x more oxygen into the blood stream and other fluids including lymph and cerebrospinal fluids.

Delivering oxygen 100% down to the cellular level allows for optimal healing with very low side effects.

GOOD NEWS!

The great news is – this non-invasive, well-established medical treatment is now available in Bacolod City and it is also the first treatment facility in Western Visayas!

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU GO THROUGH THIS TREATMENT

Before you enter the Hyperbaric Chamber in the main facility, you will have to first undergo medical assessment.

As a new client I filled out a patient information form, went through an interview with Nurse Ann and was asked about my medical history, family diseases history and other health related inquiries for reference. The assigned nurse also used an oximeter to determine the proportion of oxygenated hemoglobin in my blood after which she took my blood pressure. When all was done and I was cleared on the first step, I was called for the face to face online consultation with Dr. Philton Yu, a Manila based doctor who is also a medical consultant of the AHBOTC in Bacolod City.

*Blood pressure and oximeter assessment done by Nurse Ann*

EXPERIENCING HBOT

I was truthful enough to tell my medical history and my condition to Dr. Yu. I told him I have cerebral palsy (ChoreaAthetoid type) and asked if it is safe to undergo HBOT. Dr. Yu said that he highly recommends HBOT for cerebral palsy patients.

But as a precautionary measure a patient with a pre-existing condition is required to bring his/her recent ECG and X-ray results before going through a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session.

I also discussed with him about having asthma.

Dr. Yu gave me instructions on how to breathe properly while inside the chamber. After my assessment, I was given the go signal for my first HBOT session.

This how the chamber looks like. You cannot go inside with your shoes on. You will have to remove it and use your socks, The center will provide you a locker to put your belongings while the session is ongoing.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND THE BENEFITS OF HBOT

Honestly, I was a bit anxious about the whole thing because of the fact that were going inside this closed chamber and we had to sit for an hour and a half. But what eventually made me do it is the fact I knew I was in good hands. The chamber itself was made to suit cozy needs. Seats are cushioned plus back and foot rests gave extra comfort during the therapy. There are TV screens inside to keep us entertained and time just flew by.

Patients can relax and breathe normally during the 90-minute treatment. All sessions are monitored by members of their medical team who are in constant communication with their patient. In fairness, they checked on me every now and then, and at times when I felt uneasy, the nurses were available to attend to me until I felt better.

*Outside the multi-million -chamber before the session started*

WHY IS HBOT GOOD FOR OUR BODY?

Increased oxygen delivery to injured tissues/Tissue Hypoxygenation
Greater blood vessel formation/Angiogenesis
Improved wound healing
Antibacterial activity
Synergy with antibiotics
Preservation of damaged tissues and stimulation of new bone formation
Stimulate growth factors
Reduced swelling/edema
Decreased risk of infection

The following are some of the conditions or diseases that may benefit if we undergo this therapy:

Neurodevelopmental conditions (autism, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome)
Neurodegenerative conditions (alzheimer’s, parkinson’s, huntington’s disease)
Neurological injuries (stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, concussions)
Diabetes
Anti-aging
Stem cell improvement
Sports injuries
Inflammation

*Cellphones were restricted inside the chamber. It was our friend, Ms. Femmy Magbanua who took this pic.*

Aside from the above there are still a lot of other additional indications of HBOT in the fields of Neurology, Cardiology, Opthalmology, Orthopedic, Pulmonary , Burn Care, Intensive Care and Accident & Emergency Care.

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION:

1. Pulmonary conditions such as Pneumothorax, hemothorax.

2. Pleural Effusion of Cardiogenic Origin

3. Pulmonary Edema

4. Emphysema

As I mentioned above, you can easily approach any of their nurses once you feel uneasy or any difficulty in your breathing during the session.

Being a cerebral palsy patient, I took the chance of going through this because I knew it will be for my own good. For first timers, ask your doctor first if he will recommends this procedure for you.

Well, after my first session I noticed that I was able to sleep well and wake up with a light feeling the next day. I look forward to more positive changes and effects as we continue with our sessions soon.

Book your appointment online at:

www.facebook.com/advancedhyperbarichealthcarecenter

For questions and inquiries you may call: (0995)534-6582/HBOT Bacolod Tel Num: (034)445-8648 or visit them at C.L Montelibano, Brgy. Villamonte Bacolod City