Immediate Medical Evaluation is Required - Do Not Wait Three Days
You should seek immediate medical attention today, not wait three days for your therapy session, if you are experiencing potential complications from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). While HBOT is generally safe with an acceptable complication rate, certain adverse effects require prompt evaluation and management 1, 2.
Critical Complications Requiring Immediate Attention
Barotrauma-Related Symptoms
- Middle ear barotrauma is the most common complication, occurring in 3.8% of patients with verified lesions on examination 2
- Seek immediate care if experiencing:
- Severe or persistent ear pain beyond mild discomfort
- Sudden hearing loss or significant hearing changes
- Vertigo or severe dizziness
- Fluid or blood drainage from the ear
- Tympanic membrane rupture (especially if you have sensory deficits in the ear region, which increases rupture risk) 2
Central Nervous System Oxygen Toxicity
- Generalized seizures can occur without recognizable risk factors or warning signs 2
- Immediate evaluation needed for:
- Any seizure activity
- Altered mental status
- Severe headache
- Visual disturbances
- Muscle twitching or tremors
- Nausea with neurological symptoms 2
Pulmonary Complications
- Pulmonary barotrauma, though rare, requires urgent assessment 2
- Seek immediate care for:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood 2
When Observation May Be Appropriate
Mild, self-limited symptoms that may be observed briefly include:
- Transient mild ear discomfort that resolves spontaneously (occurred in >17% of patients as single episodes) 2
- Temporary mild sinus pressure without severe pain
- Mild, transient myopia (reversible vision changes) 2
Critical Timing Considerations
The safety profile of HBOT shows that serious complications, while rare, can occur unpredictably 1, 2. Waiting three days could be dangerous if you are experiencing:
- Progressive symptoms
- Any neurological changes
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Signs of infection (fever, drainage)
- Respiratory symptoms 3, 4
Recommended Action
Contact your hyperbaric medicine provider or seek emergency care today if you have any concerning symptoms beyond very mild, transient discomfort 2. The fact that you are considering waiting suggests symptoms significant enough to warrant immediate professional evaluation rather than observation until your scheduled appointment 1.