A hyperbaric session isn’t right for everyone. Some health conditions may mean a session isn’t safe for you right now; others just need extra care. Here is who should not use a hyperbaric chamber without talking to us first, why pressure matters, and what we ask before every first session at K Wellness in Long Beach.
In short
- A hyperbaric chamber raises the air pressure around you, and pressure changes affect air-filled spaces in the body, such as the ears, sinuses and lungs.
- Tell us before your session if you have a cold or congestion, ear or sinus problems, a lung condition, a fever or recent surgery, if you are pregnant, or if any of the other items below apply.
- Some conditions may mean a session isn’t safe for you right now; others just need extra care.
- Our medical assistant asks about your health before your first session. It isn’t a medical evaluation, so ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
Why pressure matters
Our chambers are pressurized to 1.3 ATA, about 30% above normal air pressure. That pressure change is what you feel in your ears.
The MSD Manual explains that changes in pressure affect air-filled spaces in the body, such as the ears, sinuses and lungs. Its professional edition notes that the risk is higher with any condition that interferes with pressure equalization.
Who should not use a hyperbaric chamber without checking first
Tell us before your session if any of these apply. Some may mean a session isn’t safe for you right now; others just need extra care.
Ears and sinuses
- You have ear or sinus problems, a cold, or congestion.
- You have had recent ear surgery or an ear injury.
MedlinePlus notes that if you have a congested nose from allergies, a cold or an upper respiratory infection, you are more likely to develop ear barotrauma, and it advises avoiding altitude changes, such as flying, while you have an upper respiratory infection or active allergy symptoms.
Lungs
- You have a lung condition, including a history of a collapsed lung.
The MSD Manual notes that the lungs are one of the air-filled spaces affected by pressure changes.
Pregnancy
- You are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Heart conditions and implanted devices
- You have an implanted device, such as a pacemaker.
If you have a heart condition, tell us and ask your doctor first.
Other health conditions
- You have a fever, or have had recent surgery.
- You have a history of seizures.
- You are receiving chemotherapy.
- You take any medications or have any ongoing health conditions.
Enclosed spaces and claustrophobia
- You feel uneasy in enclosed spaces.
We have three soft-sided chambers: one you sit upright in and two you lie down in.
What happens if one of these applies
Tell us when you book or before your session. Before your first session, our medical assistant asks about your health conditions and anything you’re taking. Bring a list of your medications and supplements, and tell us about any allergies or recent surgery.
Hyperbaric sessions aren’t right for everyone, and they aren’t a substitute for care from your own doctor. Our check isn’t a medical evaluation — if you’re unsure whether a session is safe for you, ask your doctor first. During a session, let us know right away if you feel discomfort.
Possible side effects
Possible side effects include ear or sinus pain, temporary vision changes and tiredness. Rarely, more serious problems such as lung injury can occur. What a session is like, step by step, is in your first hyperbaric session.
Our chambers are mild hyperbaric chambers, and they aren’t used to treat medical conditions. See what a hyperbaric chamber is and how ours differ from clinical HBOT.
Your visit
K Wellness is inside Kim Holistic Foot & Ankle Center at 701 E 28th St #111, Long Beach, CA 90806. The two have the same owner and share the same office.
- Price: $100 for a 60-minute session. See our hyperbaric session packages.
- Parking: park in our parking structure. There’s a K Wellness sign outside our door, so you don’t need to go through the main lobby.
- Booking: call (562) 269-0300, or request a visit online and we’ll call you to confirm a time.
Common questions
Who should not use a hyperbaric chamber?
Tell us first if you have a cold, congestion, ear or sinus problems, a lung condition, a fever or recent surgery, a history of seizures, an implanted device, if you are receiving chemotherapy, if you are pregnant, or if you take any medications or have any ongoing health conditions. Some of these may mean a session isn’t safe for you right now. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor first.
Can I use a hyperbaric chamber if I have a cold?
Tell us before your session. A cold or congestion makes ear pressure problems more likely, and it may mean a session isn’t safe for you right now.
Can I use a hyperbaric chamber while pregnant?
Tell us if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, and ask your doctor first.
Can I use a hyperbaric chamber if I have a heart condition?
Tell us about any heart condition, medications or implanted device, such as a pacemaker, and ask your doctor first.
What if I feel uneasy in enclosed spaces?
Tell us before your session. We have one chamber you sit upright in and two you lie down in.
This article is general information, not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with your own doctor about your health. In an emergency, call 911.