Dive into Healing
Dive into Healing
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment where patients breathe pure oxygen at a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure. The term “hyperbaric” refers to an environment at a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure. HBOT is designed to increase the amount of oxygen in the body’s tissues, promoting healing and providing therapeutic benefits.
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Only some people are good candidates for HBOT, and this treatment may pose risks to people with certain conditions. HBOT treatment may be unsafe for you if:
You have a collapsed lung or a lung disease that increases your chance of having a collapsed lung
You have a fever or cold
You have or have recently had an ear injury, infection, or surgery
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been used to treat various medical conditions and can offer several potential benefits:
Enhanced Oxygen Delivery: HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases the oxygen levels in the blood and tissues. This can be particularly helpful in cases of poor circulation or tissue damage where oxygen supply is compromised.
Wound Healing: HBOT can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and promote tissue regeneration, which can accelerate the healing process for wounds, ulcers, and injuries, especially in cases of non-healing wounds.
Reduced Inflammation: The increased oxygen levels from HBOT can help reduce inflammation and swelling in tissues. This can be beneficial for conditions like certain types of infections, inflammatory disorders, and conditions involving tissue damage.
Fighting Infections: The high levels of oxygen can create an environment that is less conducive to the growth of certain types of bacteria and other microorganisms. This makes HBOT a potentially useful treatment for infections that are hard to treat with antibiotics alone.
Radiation Injury: HBOT may help alleviate tissue damage caused by radiation therapy for cancer treatment. It can aid in healing and reducing the long-term effects of radiation-induced tissue damage.
Decompression Sickness: HBOT is commonly used to treat divers who experience decompression sickness ("the bends"). Breathing pure oxygen at a higher pressure helps to eliminate nitrogen bubbles that can form in the blood and tissues when surfacing too quickly.
Neurological Conditions: Some research suggests that HBOT might have potential benefits for certain neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and some forms of dementia. However, the evidence is still evolving in these areas.
It's important to note that while HBOT can offer benefits, it is not a cure-all and may not be suitable for all conditions. The decision to use HBOT should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess your medical history, condition, and overall health to determine whether HBOT is a suitable treatment option and whether the potential benefits outweigh any risks or limitations.
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During an HBOT session, the patient enters a specialized chamber, often called a hyperbaric chamber. The chamber is sealed, and the pressure gradually increases to a level higher than atmospheric pressure. This increased pressure allows the lungs to take in a higher concentration of oxygen, which then dissolves into the bloodstream. As a result, oxygen reaches areas of the body with restricted blood flow or diminished oxygen supply, aiding in the healing process.
The duration and number of HBOT sessions can vary depending on the condition being treated. Some treatments may require a single session, while others may involve multiple sessions spread over several weeks or months. Each session typically lasts between 60 to 120 minutes, during which the patient remains inside the chamber.
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Patients who undergo HBOT treatment generally report little to no side effects and that any side effects experienced are mild. Still, individual experiences vary, and it’s important to note that side effects are possible, like any type of medical treatment. Most side effects experienced aren’t harmful and subside once treatment is over.
Side effects Include:Fatigue, Lightheadedness, and low blood sugar
Claustrophobia
Eye, Ear, Tooth or Sinus Pressure
Oxygen Toxicity or Poisoning