Oxygen plays a vital role in supporting normal body function and healing. Oxygen Therapy in Dubai includes supplemental oxygen and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), a specialised treatment that delivers medical-grade oxygen inside a pressurised chamber to improve oxygen delivery to selected tissues. HBOT is recognised for conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, selected non-healing wounds and radiation tissue injury, while some wellness applications remain under investigation. At Vow Clinic Dubai every patient undergoes a physician-led assessment to determine whether treatment is appropriate based on their diagnosis, current clinical evidence and DHA-compliant medical practice. 

What Is Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that supplies additional oxygen when the body’s tissues or bloodstream are not receiving enough to function efficiently. The main objective is to improve oxygen supply, maintaining normal organ function and aiding in healing if indicated by medical findings.

Many people refer to oxygen therapy as a single therapy, but there are various different types of oxygen therapy. Each method is different and has various clinical applications. Patients can better determine which treatment is right for them if they understand the differences.

Supplemental Oxygen Therapy

When the level of oxygen in the blood is lower than normal, supplemental oxygen therapy helps the person breathe more oxygen. This treatment is frequently used in healthcare.It is often used in healthcare for people with respiratory problems or chronic lung disease that impairs their ability to breathe in and out in a normal way.

Oxygen can be supplied via:

• Nasal cannula
• Simple face mask
• Oxygen concentrator
• Portable oxygen cylinders
• Hospital oxygen delivery systems

While HBOT is a therapy using high oxygen pressures, supplemental oxygen therapy takes place at normal atmospheric pressure, and is aimed at increasing the amount of oxygen present in the bloodstream rather than increasing oxygen dissolved throughout the body’s tissues.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a specialised medical treatment performed inside a pressurised hyperbaric chamber. In the treatment, the patient breathes medical grade oxygen and the pressure of the chamber is raised above atmospheric pressure.

At high pressure and in the presence of high levels of oxygen, much more oxygen can be dissolved into the liquid part of the blood known as blood plasma. This increased oxygen supply can benefit tissues that do not receive enough oxygen in certain medical conditions and may facilitate healing.

HBOT differs from standard oxygen therapy because it relies on both:

• Increased atmospheric pressure
• Medical grade oxygen
• Controlled treatment protocols
• Continuous medical monitoring
• Hyperbaric medicine has identified uses in these disorders:
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Decompression sickness
• Air or gas embolism
• Some diabetic foot ulcers
• Selected chronic wounds
• Radiation tissue injury
• Circumstances that compromise the skin grafts and flaps
• Some serious infections in combination with routine medical treatment

Topical Oxygen Therapy

Topical oxygen therapy (or OT) involves applying oxygen directly to the surface of a wound – not exposing the whole body to a higher percentage of oxygen.

Topical oxygen therapy can be used in certain wound care applications where local oxygen delivery may be beneficial to wound care, and may be considered by the healthcare professional. 

Topical oxygen therapy is different from hyperbaric oxygen therapy in that:

• Only treats the affected wound area
• Does not involve a pressurised chamber
• Uses different medical equipment
• Has different clinical indications

Both treatments include oxygen, but should not be used interchangeably.

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the use of medical grade oxygen and the increase of the atmosphere pressure inside a specialised chamber. This means that your body can get much more oxygen than it would normally get, and it will help to transport oxygen to tissues that are not moving well or healing well. HBOT aids body’s natural healing processes and can be administered under medical supervision for certain medical conditions.

Increased Oxygen Dissolution in Blood Plasma

The higher pressure in the chamber during HBOT allows more oxygen to be dissolved into the liquid (plasma) part of your blood. This additional dissolved oxygen may be transported more easily throughout the body to areas that have decreased blood flow, compared to oxygen transported by red blood cells alone.

Improved Tissue Oxygenation

It increases oxygen supply to the blood which in turn leads to better tissue oxygenation, enabling delivery of oxygen to injured or poorly supplied tissues. This may aid in healing under certain conditions in which healing is delayed because of diminished oxygen supply.

Support for Wound Healing

There is a significant role of adequate oxygen in the body’s natural repair process. Carefully selected HBOT may help wounds heal by:

• Promoting the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
• Supporting collagen synthesis
• Encouraging tissue repair
• Assisting the body’s own healing process in response to some infections.

HBOT is typically not used alone, but in conjunction with other wound care treatments.

Reduction of Gas Bubbles

The treatment of decompression sickness and air or gas embolus is one of the indications for HBOT. The additional pressure will help the gas bubbles decrease in size, and increase the supply of oxygen to the affected tissues.

Effects on Selected Infections

For more serious infections, increased oxygen may help to promote healing in combination with surgery, antibiotics and routine treatment. HBOT alone does not cure infection, and should never be used instead of standard medical care, however.

Medical Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Conditions for Which HBOT May Be Medically Considered

Selected medical conditions may benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an additional treatment to provide increased oxygen delivery under pressure for the benefit of recovery. Indications that have been recognised for hyperbaric oxygen therapy are carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, air or gas embolism, selected non healing wounds, radiation tissue damage and some severe infections.

Air or Gas Embolism

HBOT can help prevent gas bubbles in the blood and promote the delivery of oxygen to affected tissues.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

In certain instances, HBOT can help to speed up the elimination of CO from the body and improve its oxygen carrying capacity.

Decompression Sickness

By alleviating gas bubbles formed during rapid changes of pressure, HBOT is a known form of treatment for decompression sickness.

Selected Non-Healing Wounds

For some chronic wounds that have not responded to normal wound care, HBOT can help heal the wound.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

HBOT can be used in conjunction with the appropriate treatment for diabetic foot ulcer, including infection control and blood sugar management, in selected diabetic foot ulcers.

Radiation Tissue Injury

In certain cases, HBOT can help heal radiation-treated tissue and be beneficial in providing oxygen delivery to the affected tissue.

Necrotising Soft-Tissue Infections

In some cases, very serious soft-tissue infections can be treated with HBOT in addition to surgery and antibiotics.

Refractory Osteomyelitis

HBOT may be used in addition to the standard treatment in selected patients who have long standing bone infections not responding to the conventional treatment.

Crush Injuries and Acute Traumatic Ischaemia

HBOT can be used to aid tissue recovery in some traumatic injuries that are being oxygenated.

Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps

Selected skin grafts and tissue flaps may be considered to be supported by HBOT for survival and healing in circumstances where there is limited blood supply.

Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing

If the damage has occurred, the lack of oxygen can delay the healing process, and raise the chances of complications. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be used for a select diabetic wound, chronic ulcers and radiation damaged tissue, which enhances tissue oxygenation and promotes the body’s healing mechanisms.

Typically, HBOT is used as an adjunctive therapy, which is one that is used with regular wound treatments. It is usually used in combination with wound cleaning, infection control, blood sugar control, vascular assessment, and other appropriate medical treatment that is medically indicated for a comprehensive multi-disciplinary wound care plan.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy After Surgery

Each surgery has a different recovery period and the recovery will depend on the overall health of the patient and the body’s healing process.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be considered in selected surgical situations where tissue healing becomes compromised rather than being recommended routinely after every operation.

Examples include:

• Compromised skin grafts
• Areas of tissue that have less blood flow
• Delayed wound healing
• Radiation-related surgical wounds
• Certain reconstructive procedures

HBOT may assist normal healing in well selected patients, due to enhanced tissue oxygenation. It does not, however, ensure quicker healing times and must not be used as a substitute for proper surgical follow up, wound care and medical management.

All treatment choices are dependent on clinical evaluation and doctor’s advice.

Oxygen Therapy for Sports Recovery and Wellness

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has become a topic of interest for athletes and wellness enthusiasts seeking to enhance recovery after high-intensity exercise.

Some centres promote HBOT for the following reasons:

• Athletic recovery
• Exercise-related fatigue
• Muscle recovery
• General wellness
• Skin rejuvenation
• Anti-ageing
• Immune support

There is ongoing research which examines these potential applications, but the level of scientific evidence differs from application to application.

Currently, documented medical applications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy are not the same as wellness applications. HBOT should not be marketed as a recovery treatment or anti aging.

Anyone who is considering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for wellness should consult with a physician to see if it is right for them and their goals.

What Happens During an HBOT Session?

Initial Medical Consultation

Your doctor examines your diagnosis, medical history, current medications, lung and ear condition, pregnancy status (if applicable), blood sugar levels and any imaging or lab results that may be needed to decide if HBOT is right for you.

Preparing for the Chamber

Prior to treatment, you will be asked to remove items that are prohibited, wear the appropriate clothes, stay away from oils, cosmetics and other flammable substances and be given information on how to equalise ear pressure during the treatment.

Entering the Chamber

Treatment is carried out in a monoplace (one patient) or multiplace (several patients) chamber and uses medical supervision.

Pressurisation

The pressure of the chamber slowly builds up above the atmospheric pressure. Pressure can be felt in the ears, which is typically eased with simple equalisation techniques, like yawning or swallowing.

Oxygen Breathing Period

After the target pressure is achieved, you will take medical grade oxygen, and there will be continuous monitoring by health care professionals. The length of time it takes varies according to your treatment plans.

Decompression

After the session, the air pressure slowly returns to normal to allow your body to adjust safely.

Post-Treatment Review

Your treatment team inspects for any discomfort in your ears, dizziness or blood sugar fluctuations (if applicable) and reviews how your body is reacting to the treatment and whether more HBOT is necessary.

How Many Oxygen Therapy Sessions Are Needed?

Each patient’s number of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) sessions is unique. Since each medical condition reacts differently to oxygen therapy, there is no single treatment package. The treatment strategy is determined by your diagnosis, overall health, and treatment objectives and clinical response.

The number of sessions will be determined by a number of factors

• The medical condition being treated
• Acute or chronic condition
• The extent of injury or harm to the tissue.
• Response to previous treatments
• Overall healing progress
• Physician recommendations and clinical protocols.

For example:

• Emergency conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness, may require immediate treatment and one or more HBOT sessions depending on clinical findings.
• Chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers or radiation tissue injury often require a longer course of treatment spread over several weeks.
• Compromised grafts or flaps may require treatment based on how well the tissues respond during recovery.

Your healthcare provider will follow up with you regularly and make adjustments as needed. Therapy always continues if there is clinical improvement, and therapy always ends if there is clinical improvement.

Who May Be a Candidate?

If you have an appropriate medical diagnosis that may benefit from the increased delivery of oxygen under pressure, you may be a candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). 

Those who may be suitable are those who have:

• Exposure to carbon monoxide or CO poisoning
• Decompression sickness
• A few diabetic foot wounds or ulcers were selected.
• Radiation tissue injury
• Some chronic or non healing wounds
• Compromised skin grafts or tissue flaps

Eligibility is on a case by case basis and will be based on a thorough medical evaluation by a physician with hyperbaric medicine training. Treatment is based on your diagnosis, clinical indications and overall health.

Who Should Not Receive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Untreated Pneumothorax

Amongst the most important contraindications to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung). If the condition is aggravated by raising the pressure in the chamber, then it is not safe to treat the case until appropriate medical care is rendered.

Certain Lung Conditions

In some lung diseases, complications can happen during pressure changes. For some respiratory conditions further tests or assessments by a specialist may be needed before treatment.

Uncontrolled Fever or Infection

If the cause or severity is such that a fever becomes uncontrolled or if the person is ill, treatment may be delayed until they are medically stable.

Significant Ear or Sinus Problems

A change in air pressure within the hyperbaric chamber may cause stress on the ears and sinuses. Some medical issues like severe ear infections, blocked eustachian tubes or sinus disease may need to be treated before the HBOT.

Certain Medications

Certain drugs can affect the body’s reaction to higher oxygen levels. Your doctor considers every prescription, supplement and over the counter medication before giving you treatment.

Severe Claustrophobia

A number of patients have severe anxiety in closed areas. If claustrophobia is extreme your doctor may talk to you about ways to make it more comfortable or if there is a better way to treat you.

Pregnancy or Other Special Medical Conditions

In some complex medical conditions and pregnancy, careful assessment of the individual is required. The decision to use HBOT is based on medical indication, expected benefits and potential risks.

Risks and Side Effects

Ear Barotrauma

If pressure is not equalised when the pressure of the chamber changes, it can be uncomfortable.

Symptoms may include:

• Ear fullness
• Mild pain
• Temporary hearing changes

Pressure equalisation techniques are taught by healthcare professionals to minimise this risk.

Sinus Pressure

A small number of patients experience sinus discomfort during pressurisation, especially if they have a blocked nose or inflamed sinuses.

Temporary Vision Changes

After several HBOT sessions, a temporary change in vision may occur. After treatment most often eyesight slowly returns to normal.

Claustrophobia

The hyperbaric chamber may cause some people to become anxious. Many patients are comfortable if healthcare professionals communicate with them continuously during the treatment.

Blood Sugar Reduction

While being treated, the blood glucose level could change in patients with diabetes. Pre and post-sports blood sugar levels are used to ensure safety.

Oxygen Toxicity

Oxygen toxicity can occur with high doses of O2 over extended periods of time. This risk is minimized in modern treatment protocols by careful control of oxygen exposure.

Lung Injury

While rare, pressure changes can make lung problems more likely for people who have a condition that makes them more susceptible to them. Careful patient selection effectively minimises this risk.

Fire and Explosion Risk

Hyperbaric chambers are filled with oxygen-enriched atmospheres and fire safety is extremely important.

Licensed HBOT facilities follow comprehensive safety procedures that include:

• Approved chamber equipment
• Regular maintenance
• Fire prevention protocols
• Staff training
• Emergency response procedures

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is known to be safe when directed and performed in a properly equipped medical centre by trained health care professionals for recognised clinical indications.

There are many important factors in determining a treatment safety such as:

• Accurate medical diagnosis
• Appropriate patient selection
• Comprehensive medical screening
• Skilled doctors and trained HBOT staff
• The hyperbaric chamber equipment has been approved.
• Continuous patient monitoring
• Pressure-control procedures
• Fire safety systems
• Emergency preparedness

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) standards also cover the requirements of the healthcare facilities and standards for the assessment of patients, staff, equipment and operational safety.

It is always advisable to have a licensed provider that adheres to accepted hyperbaric medicine standards, not the price.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy vs Standard Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy vs Oxygen Bar

HBOT vs Topical Oxygen Therapy

What Should Patients Ask an HBOT Provider?

It is important to understand the treatment plan, expected outcomes and safety measures prior to beginning Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). 

During your consultation, consider asking the following questions:

• Is the facility licensed to provide HBOT?
• Is the hyperbaric chamber medically approved and regularly maintained?
• Which medical condition is being treated?
• Is HBOT a recognised treatment for my condition?
• Who will supervise my treatment sessions?
• What chamber pressure and treatment protocol will be used?
• How many sessions do I need, and why?
• What are the potential risks in my case?
• Are there any alternative treatment options?
• What emergency equipment is available?
• How is fire safety managed during treatment?
• Will HBOT be part of my overall treatment plan?
• How will treatment outcomes be monitored?
• What is included in the treatment cost?
• What happens if complications occur during or after treatment?

These questions may assist you in making your decision and to determine if HBOT is right for you.

Oxygen Therapy Cost in Dubai

The price of Oxygen Therapy in Dubai is typically priced between AED 600 per HBOT session and the total cost of treatment varies according to the individual treatment plan and the health care provider. Multi session packages could be available at a discounted price.

The total cost can be affected by the following:

• Type of oxygen therapy administered
• Medical condition being treated
• Hyperbaric chamber type
• Number of treatments that are needed
• Consultation and assessment by a physician (physician consultation)
• Medical tests and medical treatment clearance
• Emergency versus elective treatment
• Hospital based or outpatient care

Since every patient has unique medical needs, the exact cost can only be determined after a comprehensive clinical evaluation.

Related Page: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Cost in Dubai

Why Choose Vow Clinic Dubai?

Patient safety and evidence based care is paramount at Vow Clinic Dubai. We perform doctor supervised assessment, individual care plans, and care with the use of medical level equipment and qualified health care professionals. Our team follows DHA compliant safety protocols and have emergency preparedness and work together with wound care and other specialists as per needs. 

FAQs

What is oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy is the medical treatment that provides oxygen when the lungs cannot supply enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs. It may be supplemented with oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) or topical oxygen therapy, depending on the condition being treated.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a specific therapy that involves patients breathing medical grade oxygen inside pressurised hyperbaric chamber. The higher pressure results in more oxygen being dissolved in the blood plasma and thus improves the delivery of oxygen to the body tissues.

How is HBOT different from normal oxygen therapy?

Standard oxygen therapy provides oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure air via a nasal cannula or face mask. HBOT combines medical-grade oxygen with increased atmospheric pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber, producing different physiological effects.

Which conditions can hyperbaric oxygen therapy treat?

HBOT may be medically indicated in known conditions including carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, air or gas embolism, some diabetic foot ulcers, radiation tissue injury, problematic grafts or flaps, refractory osteomyelitis and some chronic wounds that are not healing. 

Is HBOT approved in Dubai?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be administered by registered healthcare institutions that meet the standards and guidelines set by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and follow clinical procedures.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?

When delivered in an approved medical facility by trained healthcare professionals, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has an established safety profile for recognised medical indications.

What happens inside a hyperbaric chamber?

You are placed inside a special chamber where the pressure slowly rises as you are breathing medical grade oxygen. The pressure in the chamber is continually monitored and gradually brought back to normal atmospheric pressure.

How long does an HBOT session take?

The sessions typically last between 60 to 120 minutes depending on the patient’s condition and the treatment protocol.

How many HBOT sessions will I need?

The number of sessions may vary based on your diagnosis, the severity of your condition, how you react to treatment and your doctor’s recommendation. 

Can HBOT help diabetic foot wounds?

In carefully selected patients, HBOT may support the healing of certain diabetic foot wounds when used alongside comprehensive wound care, infection management, blood sugar control and vascular assessment.

Can oxygen therapy improve surgical wound healing?

Selected patients with poor wound healing, tissue flaps or grafts following surgery may be suitable for HBOT. Treatment is not regularly recommended following all procedures and is based on clinical assessment.

Is HBOT useful for sports recovery?

The use of HBOT for sports recovery and wellness is occasional but the evidence for these applications varies. 

What are the side effects of HBOT?

Side effects may include discomfort in the ears that is temporary, sinus pressure, minor visual changes, anxiety about being enclosed in the claustrophobia and blood sugar fluctuations in diabetic patients. 

Who should not receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Patients with untreated pneumothorax or with some lung diseases, severe ear or sinus problems, or severe claustrophobia or other medical conditions may not be appropriate candidates for HBOT. Eligibility is determined after a thorough doctor’s examination.

How much does oxygen therapy cost in Dubai?

The cost depends on the type of oxygen therapy, medical condition, the quantity of therapy sessions, consultation with the physician and therapy protocol, and healthcare facility. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions in Dubai typically start from approximately AED 600 per session.