Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the latest medical science advancement doctors use to help improve patient outcomes. The treatment involves exposing patients to pure oxygen concentrations in a pressurized chamber to promote healing. Below is how HBOT works, its potential benefits, and the answers to frequently asked questions about the treatment:
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works
If you are in a monoplace chamber, a technician releases oxygen into the room, increasing the pressure inside. The pressure may make your ears feel clogged, or you may hear a popping sound. You can get some relief by yawning. Patients in a multiplace chamber receive treatment through an oxygen mask and may not experience the effects of increased pressure.
Your breathing remains unaffected by the increased oxygen levels in the treatment chamber. A healthcare provider also stays with you during your session to monitor your condition and answer your questions.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT enhances the body’s natural healing process promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Here are some things the treatment can help with:
Accelerated Wound Healing
When you have a wound, the blood vessels and tissues around the wounded area sustain damage. With damaged blood vessels, less oxygen reaches the surrounding tissue, which may delay healing. Damaged blood cells may also leak fluid into the surrounding tissues causing inflammation of the cells.
After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the additional oxygen levels in the blood reduce inflammation around the damaged tissue. Less swelling means more oxygen can go to the damaged tissue, giving the cells the nutrients needed to heal. The treatment also has great potential in healing surgical wounds faster, thus reducing a patient’s risk of infection.
Improved Resistance to Infections
HBOT increases the concentration of oxygen delivered to the tissues in your body, resulting in more muscular cells that can resist infection. The treatment increases antibacterial activity in the body as the white blood cells gain strength and momentum from the oxygen.
Your white blood cells may be able to detect and fight infections faster after HBOT. The oxygen boost also helps them work better to remove dead cellular debris. Its effect on the body’s ability to fight infections makes HBOT ideal for patients with infectious diseases like actinomycosis.
Enhanced Collagen Generation
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It provides structural support and is a building block in all organs in your body. It is vital for healing wounds. Some functions of collagen in the body include the following:
Gives your skin structure and elasticity Helps your blood clot Supports your body’s connective tissues Promotes the regeneration of dead skin cells
HBOT boosts collagen production, which in turn promotes healing. People with skin injuries can significantly benefit from HBOT since collagen is the primary component of the skin.
Enhanced Antibiotic Function
Antibiotics help fight infections, but they sometimes do not act fast enough. Antibiotics kill or slow down the spread of bacteria, allowing your white blood cells to fight infections. HBOT increases the oxygen to white blood cells, enhancing their ability to fight bacteria. As a result, patients may be able to take antibiotics for a shorter time and recover faster.
Frequently Asked Questions About HBOT
What Does HBOT Treat?
HBOT can help treat the following conditions:
Decompression sickness Burns Carbon monoxide poisoning Radiation injuries Gangrene and infections causing tissue death Skin grafts at risk of tissue death Gas bubbles in blood vessels
Who Should Not Get HBOT?
HBOT is not for everyone. The treatment may do more harm than good if you suffer from the following:
An ear injury Lung disease A cold or fever A collapsed lung
How Often Should I Schedule HBOT Sessions?
HBOT sessions last a few hours, and their frequency varies depending on the patient’s condition. Doctors may recommend a few sessions daily for some patients or even once a week for others. Your doctor can advise you on how often to go for treatment after examining you.
Enjoy the Benefits of This Innovative Treatment
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for many conditions. By harnessing the power of oxygen, you may heal faster and enhance your body’s natural healing capacity. Talk to your doctor today to learn if HBOT is the right solution.
