Hyperbaric Chamber for Autism: Does it Really Work?

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy effective for children with autism? The short answer is “it’s still unconfirmed”. Until we can get sufficient evidence about its real effects, we should consult the doctor about any plan to use this type of treatment. Of course, that’s not to say hyperbaric oxygen therapy doesn’t have its benefits. It has its uses. The only thing that is unconfirmed as of this moment is whether or not it really helps children with autism. And with that in mind, we will talk about what makes this issue such a delicate one.

Overview

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT is used for conditions like serious infections, decompression sickness, non-healing wounds, and arterial gas embolism. It works by putting the patient in a hyperbaric chamber, wherein the air pressure is increased up to three times the normal air pressure. This allows the patient to take in more oxygen at a time. This causes the blood to carry more oxygen than is possible with normal air pressure. This helps stimulate the release of stem cells and growth factors, naturally occurring substances in the body that promote healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also be used for burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and gangrene. Some doctors also recommend it for severe anemia, radiation injury, and sudden deafness.

HBOT and Autism Treatment

As for the role it plays in treating autism, doctors are still studying its benefits, and whether or not it is good for children who have the condition. The proposed purpose of HBOT in treating autism is that it helps heal the gut as well as brain inflammation. It can also potentially help deal with gut parasites, yeast, or bacteria. Those who advocate the use of HBOT for autism say that the treatment is ideal because it helps decrease inflammation while reintroducing oxygen into specific parts of the body. This is said to aid in improving overall functioning, speech, receptive language, and eye contact scores. HBOT is also supposed to decrease irritability and hyperactivity. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a generally safe procedure. It can even be done at home, if you purchase or rent a hyperbaric chamber. But the extent of its usefulness (particularly concerning autism) should still be studied and proven before it can be recommended for children with autism. Every form of therapy has a unique response for every patient. That applies to hyperbaric oxygen therapy as well. Depending on a person’s condition and the doctor’s recommendation, they may need to receive HBOT for 40 hours within a span of 30 days. Some patients need it as a life-long treatment regimen for curing their infections and other conditions. HBOT typically costs $100 to $150 per session. And because of the 40-hour recommendation, it may cost around $4,000 for an entire month of treatment. Autism isn’t the only condition that HBOT is still being studied for. Its effects on patients suffering from heart disease, asthma, hepatitis, allergies, and even AIDS are still being analyzed. Before making any decisions, consult your doctor first.

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