Introduction 

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when ascending to high altitudes too rapidly, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Hyperbaric chambers offer a promising solution for alleviating altitude sickness symptoms. By providing pressurized environments where individuals can breathe in pure oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream. This compensates for the reduced oxygen availability at high altitudes, aiding in symptom relief and potentially accelerating acclimatization. HBOT holds potential as a complementary or adjunctive treatment for altitude sickness, offering relief for those susceptible to its effects.

Does Hyperbaric chamber work for altitude sickness?

Hyperbaric chambers, also known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), are primarily used to treat conditions such as decompression sickness (the bends), carbon monoxide poisoning, certain non-healing wounds, and other medical conditions. 

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) may offer benefits for altitude sickness, its effectiveness as a primary treatment remains debated. Research suggests mHBOT can alleviate symptoms associated with altitude illness by increasing oxygen levels in the body. Additionally, it can serve as a preventive measure, aiding gradual acclimatization to higher elevations. The chamber’s simulation of an 8,000-foot reduction in altitude may help alleviate symptoms and facilitate the body’s adjustment to lower oxygen levels. However, mHBOT should not replace essential altitude sickness management strategies such as gradual ascent and adequate hydration. 

Benefits of Hyperbaric chamber for altitude sickness

Hyperbaric chambers, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), offer several potential benefits for altitude sickness:

• Increased oxygen delivery: HBOT provides the body with higher levels of oxygen, which can help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness caused by reduced oxygen availability at high elevations.
• Symptom relief: HBOT has been shown to reduce or eliminate common symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness, enabling individuals to function more comfortably at high altitudes.
• Accelerated acclimatization: By simulating a lower altitude within the chamber, HBOT can aid the body in acclimatizing to higher elevations more quickly and effectively, reducing the risk and severity of altitude sickness.
• Preventive measure: HBOT can be used preventively before ascending to high altitudes, helping individuals prepare their bodies for the reduced oxygen levels they will encounter and potentially minimizing the likelihood of developing altitude sickness.
• Support for severe cases: In severe or life-threatening cases of altitude sickness, HBOT may be used as an adjunctive treatment to supplement traditional management strategies, providing additional oxygenation to support vital organ function.

Side effects of hyperbaric chamber for altitude sickness

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may offer benefits for altitude sickness, it can also pose potential side effects, including:

• Barotrauma: Rapid changes in pressure within the hyperbaric chamber can lead to barotrauma, which includes ear pain, sinus discomfort, and, in rare cases, lung damage such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
• Oxygen toxicity: Prolonged exposure to high levels of oxygen in the hyperbaric chamber can cause oxygen toxicity, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, seizures, and respiratory issues.
• Claustrophobia: Being enclosed within the hyperbaric chamber for an extended period may trigger feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety in some individuals.
• Fatigue and discomfort: Spending time in the hyperbaric chamber may cause fatigue or discomfort due to the confined space and prolonged exposure to elevated oxygen levels.
• Fire hazard: Oxygen-enriched environments within the hyperbaric chamber increase the risk of fire, necessitating strict safety protocols and precautions.
• Cost and accessibility: Access to hyperbaric chambers may be limited, and the therapy can be expensive, making it inaccessible for some individuals.

Frequently asked questions 

Sources 

1. Rodway GW, Windsor JS, Hart ND; Caudwell Xtreme Everest Research Group. Supplemental oxygen and hyperbaric treatment at high altitude: cardiac and respiratory response. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2007 Jun;78(6):613-7. PMID: 17571664.
2. You, J., Chen, X., Zhou, M., Ma, H., Liu, Q., & Huang, C. (2023). Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning for prevention of acute high-altitude diseases: Fact or fiction? Frontiers in Physiology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1019103
3. Taber, R. (1990). Protocols for the use of a portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of high altitude disorders. Journal of Wilderness Medicine, 1(3), 181-192. https://doi.org/10.1580/0953-9859-1.3.181