We do not get PFT's as a criteria for HBO. It is said that in COPD patients with elevated PCO2 that the high oxygen environment of hyperbaric oxygen can suppress there respiratory drive but in 16 years I have not had a patient excluded from doing HBO based on this or abnormal FEV1.

Hi, Kathy! And, thanks for the question. I see that Dr. Robinson has provided an answer. While I agree with his approach, there are some considerations (And, I’ll add an additional 16 years to the above experience) ... like what is the underlying pulmonary diagnosis? We are assuming COPD, but there are several other problems as well. This is a risk/benefit decision, so why does this patient need HBOT in the first place? Next, have you sent the patient to a pulmonologist for evaluation? I think this is critical that our pulmonary colleagues have the chance to “spiff up” this patient’s pulmonary status prior to starting a course of HBOT. Finally, there have been some case reports and UHMS abstracts about using inhalers in the chamber ... can be done, but the big question of management is what is the cause of the patient’s low FEV1.