Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Children Safe?

You’re probably familiar with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness. While HBOT is still the first-line treatment for these conditions, it’s also FDA-approved for other conditions, including severe infections and damaged tissues. As the list of approved uses grows, more parents are wondering about evidence of success in treating children, as well as about safety and side effects. 

Continue reading to learn how HBOT works, the risks parents should understand, what children and parents can expect during the treatment process, and where to find the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic in the U.S. for children.

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work for Children?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy places patients inside a pressurized chamber where they breathe medical-grade oxygen at atmospheric levels higher than normal air. This increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve into the blood and travel to tissues throughout the body. Doctors use this treatment to support healing, reduce swelling, and help damaged tissue recover more efficiently. 

During treatment, patients rest, watch a movie, listen to music, or nap while breathing normally. Many parents say the most noticeable sensation feels similar to the pressure changes during an airplane flight. Pediatric HBOT programs usually adjust treatment plans based on a child’s age, medical condition, and comfort level, but one thing remains the same: A medical team that carefully monitors oxygen levels, treatment time, and pressure settings throughout each session.

What Conditions is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Used for in Children?

HBOT has long been used for pediatric emergencies and to supplement wound care. The FDA recognizes hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment option, along with medical care, for several conditions, including: 

• Severe burns and other injuries that cause tissue damage 
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Decompression sickness
• Necrotizing tissue infections
• Crush injuries
• Bone infections
• Wounds that are struggling to heal
• Gas gangrene infections 
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Radiation-damaged tissue

And as research continues, families have also become increasingly interested in HBOT for neurological and developmental conditions, including traumatic brain injuries. Though results can vary from child to child, choosing an HBOT clinic with physician oversight and experienced providers who follow clinical evidence greatly increases success rates.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Really Safe for Kids? 

HBOT is considered safe for children when trained professionals follow established protocols and closely supervise treatment. The most common side effect is pressure discomfort in the ears, which can feel similar to needing to pop your ears during a flight. Some children may also experience temporary fatigue, mild sinus pressure, or anxiety about entering the chamber. 

Accredited hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinics use calming techniques, slow pressurization, and child-friendly communication to help children feel more comfortable. Serious complications such as oxygen toxicity or lung pressure injuries are rare and can be avoided by working with an HBOT clinic with physician oversight. A history of lung problems is a risk factor for these complications. 

What Should Parents Expect During Pediatric Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Sessions?

The first HBOT appointment usually begins with a detailed medical evaluation and a discussion about the child’s health history. Certified HBOT providers then explain how the chamber works and help children understand what they will hear, feel, and see during treatment. During HBOT treatment, children can wear comfortable clothing and spend the session watching TV, reading a book, coloring, or resting quietly. 

HBOT treatment sessions commonly last between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Some children require only a few visits, while others may need a longer treatment plan over several weeks. Throughout the process, medical staff monitor the child closely and adjust care as needed.

Finding the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Clinic in the Nation for Safe, Pediatric Care

Children respond better to treatment when they feel safe, informed, and supported by the people around them. Patient-centered HBOT programs, like the one at Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia, encourage parents to stay involved throughout the process. Here, we use clear communication to help families understand why treatment is being recommended and what progress involves. Additionally, our physicians work closely with other healthcare providers, including neurologists, pediatricians, therapists, and rehabilitation teams, to coordinate care around the child’s broader needs and reduce the risk of side effects. 

Our work is grounded in more than three decades of experience. Founded in 1993, we have provided over 125,000 treatments across three Metro Atlanta locations. Our facility is accredited with distinction by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy under physician supervision, with a 100% safety record. 

Ready to help your child heal with help from the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic in the nation?