Autism spectrum disorder, often known as ASD, is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder which renders the affected individual incapable of performing various day-to-day functions, such as undertaking social interactions and reciprocal communication with peers and family members. Those affected by this health condition might also display other persistent impairments, such as restricted or repetitive activities, behavioral patterns, and interests.
The symptoms of ASD often manifest early in life, typically in childhood or early adolescence. Moreover, these symptoms usually cause some impairments in academic, social, and occupational settings. However, the degree of impairment will depend on the severity of the condition suffered by the patient. Symptoms can range from mild and manageable to severe and debilitating. Many important aspects of daily functioning are usually affected in various ways.
An Overview of Autism
ASD is a multifactorial condition, which means that it does not have one major cause. Rather, it can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological risk factors. Exposure to toxins and drugs, prenatal and perinatal injuries, and the socioeconomic status of parents can all be contributing factors when it comes to ASD.
A wide range of health conditions, including immune dysregulation, cerebral hypoperfusion, oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with the occurrence of autism and its symptoms. And over the years, doctors have tried various types of interventions, including behavioral, educational, and pharmacological ones, to help patients overcome ASD.
While traditional treatment approaches have proved to be quite effective under certain circumstances, medical professionals have come to the conclusion that certain alternative therapies can help patients experience long-term benefits and improvements. One such alternative treatment option for autism, which is frequently recommended by experienced medical professionals, is known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT.
The Benefits of a Hyperbaric Chamber for Autism
Over the years, many physicians and experts have suggested the use of a hyperbaric chamber for autism. Treating children with autism can often be a delicate and intricate affair, with little room for risk-taking and experimentation. However, the efficacy of HBOT for treating the symptoms of autism has been established through years of research, clinical trials, and comprehensive case studies.
When a child enters a hyperbaric chamber for autism, 100 percent pure oxygen is delivered to him or her under high levels of atmospheric pressure. The hyperbaric chamber is essentially a sealed vessel containing a mattress, a medicine cabinet, and a clear glass window. The child can spend the 60 to 90 minutes of a hyperbaric session either sitting or lying down inside the chamber.
The atmospheric pressure, which is usually about two to five times higher than at sea level during a hyperbaric session, helps the oxygen to dissolve quickly into the bodily fluids of the patient. Thus, the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma are able to carry the excess oxygen into injured or damaged areas of the brain, which may have so far been deprived of oxygen due to damaged blood vessels.
An excess supply of oxygen can facilitate angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, and stem cell formation. On the other hand, it can effectively prevent oxidative stress and hypoxia. Apart from ASD, hyperbaric therapy is also commonly used to treat various conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas embolism, decompression sickness, and chronic wounds.
Not only is the use of hyperbaric chamber for autism extremely effective, it is also very safe. Mild ear barotrauma is the only adverse symptom ever reported as a side-effect of HBOT, and that too is both temporary and easily treatable. Depending on the size of the hyperbaric chamber being used, an autistic child can also enter the chamber with a parent or caregiver for company, so as to prevent panic or discomfort during the session.
The Effects of HBOT
Doctors recommend hyperbaric chamber for autism in children because it is a painless and non-invasive treatment option that leads to an increase in cerebral perfusion due to the sustained inhalation of excess oxygen. This leads to an increase in the amount of oxygen being delivered to the brain due to the elevation of arterial partial pressure of oxygen in the body.
HBOT also helps reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in the human body, which results in a decrease in the number and severity of inflammations in the patients’ brain. These anti-inflammatory properties of HBOT may facilitate better management of the symptoms of ASD. Hyperbaric chamber for autism is also prescribed because HBOT helps enhance the production of antioxidant enzymes while minimizing mitochondrial dysfunction to a great extent.
In Conclusion
Mentioned above are some of the many reasons why doctors and caregivers around the world make use of hyperbaric chamber for autism in children. Hyperbaric therapy leads to an enhanced supply of oxygen in the body and the brain, which can minimize the symptoms of autism and enable patients to live a more independent and well-balanced life. For the best results, a world-class hyperbaric chamber manufactured by a reputed and trusted company should be used.