Hyperbaric oxygen therapy costs and effectiveness? A thorough overview, including side effects and deaths.

Hyperbaric oxygen care cost How much does it cost? Is it actually effective? And is it dangerous? As more and more people seek hyperbaric oxygen therapy for health and rehabilitation purposes, related questions are also on the rise.

 

In this article, we will discuss hyperbaric oxygen care. effect , expense , side effect , Actual death cases I have organized it thoroughly.

 

 

 

What is hyperbaric oxygen care?

 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves inhaling 100% oxygen in an environment with pressures 1.5 to 3 atmospheres higher than normal atmospheric pressure. In this hyperbaric environment, oxygen penetrates the plasma, dramatically increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues.

 

Main effects

• - Tissue regeneration and wound healing (e.g. diabetic foot, burns)
• - Inhibits inflammation and enhances immunity
• - Recovery of brain function (stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc.)
• - Fatigue recovery and skin improvement

 

 

 

How much does hyperbaric oxygen treatment cost?

 

item	Cost range	note
1 treatment	100,000 to 300,000 won	Varies depending on hospital and equipment
10 pack	1 to 3 million won	Discounts apply
Insurance Coverage	Only some diseases are possible	Diabetic foot, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc.
Cosmetic treatment	Non-covered (fully self-funded)	Not covered by insurance

 

As of July 2025, there are differences by region and hospital.

 

 

Are there any side effects from hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

 

side effect	explanation
Earache and Otitis Media	Eustachian tube obstruction due to pressure changes
Oxygen toxicity	Dizziness, convulsions, and decreased lung function may occur.
Pneumothorax	Air leaks may occur due to lung hyperinflation
temporary myopia	Vision loss that resolves within a few weeks
gas embolism	An emergency situation in which air enters the blood vessels from the alveoli

 

※ Patients with lung disease, rhinitis/cold, pregnant women, etc. must consult a specialist before treatment.

 

 

 

Have there actually been any deaths?

 

there is.

 

June 2025, Jeju Seogwipo Medical Center There was an incident where a man in his 50s died while receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The patient receiving treatment for decompression sickness died from abdominal air embolism, and the nurse who entered the treatment machine with him also collapsed.

 

The medical equipment was normal, and the patient's condition was critical, so the exact cause of death is under investigation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy death Although rare, it can occur in very exceptional cases, so the medical professional's judgment is important.

 

 

Hyperbaric oxygen care, who can receive it?

 

Representative indications

• 
  - Carbon monoxide poisoning
  - Decompression sickness (bending sickness)
  - Radiation necrosis
  - Diabetic foot ulcers
  - Acute burns

 

Recent usage trends

• 
  - Postpartum care (wound healing, fatigue recovery)
  - Skin beauty and anti-aging
  - Sports rehabilitation
•  

 

 

 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Care Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Q. Who is benefited from hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

 

A. It can help with various situations such as diabetic complications, chronic wounds, fatigue recovery, and postpartum care.

 

 

Q. Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy cause death?

A. Although rare, there have been cases of death due to side effects. Treatment must be under the judgment of a medical professional.

 

 

Q. How often should I receive treatment?

 
A. Generally, treatments are performed 3 to 5 times a week, repeated for several weeks, and the number of treatments varies depending on the purpose.

 

 

Q. How is it different from an oxygen capsule?

 
A. Oxygen capsules are low-pressure devices with a pressure of 1.3 atm or less, and differ significantly from medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy in terms of effectiveness and scope of application.

 

 

Q. Is treatment for cosmetic purposes also possible?

 
A. Yes, it is also used for purposes such as skin regeneration or fatigue recovery, but in this case, insurance does not apply.

 

 

 

conclusion

 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a scientifically proven treatment, but it's not safe for everyone, especially because it's expensive. Treatment purpose, health status, and insurance coverage It's important to carefully consider the options. Choose wisely and with the right knowledge!