Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves lying in a pressurized chamber and breathing in 100% pure oxygen. HBOT can treat a variety of medical conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic wounds, decompression sickness, and more. The extra oxygen supports the body’s healing processes, strengthens the immune system, and blocks harmful bacteria.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you enter a chamber that has air pressure levels 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal air pressure. As the pressure increases, the body is able to absorb more oxygen, which leads to elevated oxygen levels in the bloodstream. This allows more oxygen to be delivered to the tissues, which supports tissue repair and healing processes. HBOT is known to:
Improve Wound Healing
Increased oxygen is beneficial for wounded areas with compromised blood flow. After an injury, the blood vessels are damaged, causing them to release fluid into the tissues. This swelling can make it difficult for oxygen to reach the damaged cells, which can lead to tissue death. HBOT introduces more oxygen into the tissues, which reduces swelling, prevents tissue death, and promotes cellular repair and regeneration. These effects can contribute to improved wound healing outcomes.
Treat Infection
HBOT can help fight infections. Bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments, which may lead to infection. Oxygen can help fight anaerobic (low oxygen) bacteria to treat or prevent infection. It can also disable the toxins of certain bacteria and stimulate the growth of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting bacteria and fungi. This can improve the white blood cells’ ability to find and destroy invaders, strengthening the body’s immune system.
Decrease Inflammation
Increased oxygen can help reduce inflammation. By delivering more oxygen to oxygen-deprived tissues, HBOT can alleviate swelling, redness, and pain associated with inflammation. This makes HBOT a valuable treatment option for conditions that cause inflammation, such as crush injuries or diabetic wounds.
Encourage Collagen Formation
HBOT promotes the creation of collagen and skin cells by encouraging the growth of new blood cells. It stimulates the production of vascular endothelial growth factor and other compounds. These compounds support the development of endothelial cells, which are needed for healing and recovery. Enhanced collagen formation can also contribute to tissue strength, structural integrity, and elasticity, making it a beneficial treatment option for chronic wounds and tissue injuries.
Prevent Reperfusion Injury
HBOT can help prevent reperfusion injury because of its ability to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation. Reperfusion injury happens when blood supply is restored to oxygen-deprived tissues. This can lead to the release of harmful oxygen radicals that can cause irreversible damage. HBOT introduces oxygen to neutralize these radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect cells from damage during reperfusion.
The Differences Between Monoplace and Multiplace Chambers
You can receive HBOT in a monoplace or multiplace chamber. Monoplace chambers are made for single-person use. They offer a more private experience but may be less enjoyable for patients who have a difficult time in confined spaces. Multiplace chambers treat more than one patient at a time by allowing a group of people to sit in the same chamber and breathe oxygen through masks. Both types of chambers will be pressurized while you breathe in 100% oxygen.
What To Expect During HBOT
During HBOT, you will either lie down in a monoplace chamber or sit in a multiplace chamber. During compression and depression, you may feel a slight pressure in your ears. This is the same sensation felt when taking off in an airplane or driving in the mountains. You can generally relieve this pressure by swallowing.
Depending on your condition, your session can last anywhere from 60 minutes to two hours. You may require multiple sessions. During the session, all you need to do is breathe regularly. The treatment saturates your blood with oxygen, which is then carried throughout your body. You may feel lightheaded or experience mild side effects such as fatigue or headaches after your treatment, but these should subside.
Treat a Variety of Conditions With HBOT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses pressurized chambers to saturate the bloodstream with oxygen. This oxygen can promote healing, treat and prevent infections, and encourage the formation of collagen and new skin cells. The therapy is FDA-approved for various medical conditions, including decompression sickness and gas gangrene. Some practices and treatment centers can also treat off-label conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, or autism. Consult with your physician to see if HBOT could be an effective treatment option for your condition.