Glossary
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung — the one absolute contraindication to HBOT.
A pneumothorax is air trapped between the lung and chest wall, collapsing the lung. An untreated pneumothorax is the single absolute contraindication to hyperbaric therapy, because pressure changes can turn it into a life-threatening tension pneumothorax.
More terms
Multiplace chamber
A walk-in chamber holding several patients, pressurized with air.
Hyperoxia
A state of higher-than-normal oxygen levels in tissue.
Osteoradionecrosis
Bone death caused by prior radiation therapy.
Decompression sickness
Illness from nitrogen bubbles forming after rapid ascent from depth.