Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy has side effects?

Mostly NO: Hyperbaric treatments have allowed dramatic healing of leg ulcers in my patients. None have had any problem. The common concern is ear drug injury from the high pressures used, if the patient has a problem equalizing ear pressure (like what happens when planes descend altitude and one's ears hurt). On wikipedia, i read about anumber of other concerns that most patients would never encounter.

Hyperbaric treatment: There are complications from hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Your wound center will have a technician and a physician that can review these with you. The most common complications are considered minor and or temproary. Many patients that require the treatments undergo the placement of ear tubes to equalize pressure. The other common temporary side effect is a change in vision.

A few reversible: Hyperbaric oxygen (hbo) therapy is administration of 100% oxygen under pressure. The oxygen acts like a drug in this envirionment. Some diabetics will have a significant drop in their blood sugar but it goes back to safe range when they eat or drink. Patients getting a lot of hbo (over 40) can have worsening of distance vision) that will revert to pre-hbo level once treatments are stopped.

Possibly: Yes, there are known risks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy that a qualified doctor should review with you prior to starting treatment. Risks can be related to pressure on the eardrum (barotrauma), lower blood sugar, changes in your vision, risk of fire / explosion, and other problems. Most patients do just fine, but make sure you ask a hyperbaricist about all your concerns before starting treatment.