How can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy affect the diaphragm and respiratory functions of patients?

Aim:

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the repetitive effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on patients’ pulmonary functions and diaphragmatic movement.

Patients and Methods:

The study group consisted of 22 patients diagnosed with various diseases who were administered hyperbaric oxygen treatment between June 2019 and December 2019. Respiratory functions such as dynamic and static lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures were evaluated before the start and end of the treatment sessions. Besides, the diaphragm thickness and the diaphragm movements during tidal volume and deep inspiration were measured with thoracic ultrasonography.

Results:

Twenty-two patients (16 male;6 female) with a mean age of 53.3±10.0 years were included. At the end of hyperbaric oxygen therapy total lung capacity, vital capacity, and residual volume were significantly increased (p<0.05). The other static lung volumes, maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide did not change. The thickness of the diaphragm and diaphragmatic movement during tidal volume and vital capacity were also increased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In our study, we evaluated the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on diaphragmatic and respiratory functions by using, diffusing capacity, as well as spirometry and diaphragmatic imaging techniques. As a result, hyperbaric oxygen treatment led to a significant change in pulmonary and diaphragmatic functions.

Keywords: Diaphragm, Diffusing capacity, Hyperbaric oxygen, Lung, Toxicity