Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which can help a wide range of conditions by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood and tissues.
Conditions Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT is notably used for specific acute and chronic conditions, including emergencies and long-term illnesses. Its effectiveness stems from delivering oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure, which enhances the body's natural healing processes and fights certain infections.
Originally recognized for treating decompression sickness in divers, its applications have expanded significantly. Today, it is approved for more than a dozen conditions.
Key conditions and scenarios where HBOT is applied include:
- Decompression Sickness: Often referred to as "the bends," this condition affects scuba divers who ascend too quickly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood and tissues. HBOT helps to reduce the size of these bubbles and facilitate their removal.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: This is a critical use, especially for individuals exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, such as firefighters and miners. HBOT helps to quickly clear carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, preventing severe damage to organs like the brain and heart.
- Severe Burns: HBOT can accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation in patients with significant burn injuries.
- Bone Diseases: Certain bone conditions can benefit from HBOT, as it promotes tissue repair and regeneration.
- Other Approved Conditions: Beyond these, HBOT is utilized for a variety of other approved medical conditions, contributing to tissue repair, fighting infections, and reducing swelling.
For more detailed information on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its uses, you can refer to reputable medical sources like Johns Hopkins Medicine.
