Contraindications

Contraindications are factors that serve as reasons to withhold treatment. An untreated tension pneumothorax (an accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity of the lungs) is the only absolute contraindication to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, you must make your hyperbaric physician aware of the following conditions so the proper precautions may be taken:

  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Congenital spherocytosis
  • Emphysema with CO2 retention
  • History of optic neuritis, reconstructive ear surgery, spontaneous pneumothorax, or thorax surgery
  • Pulmonary lesions
  • Seizure disorders
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Uncontrolled high fever
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Viral infections