Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which patients breathe 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The pressure inside the chamber is typically increased to 1.5 to 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. This increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve in the blood and be transported to tissues throughout the body.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which patients breathe 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The pressure inside the chamber is typically increased to 1.5 to 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. This increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve in the blood and be transported to tissues throughout the body.

 Mechanism of Action

1. Increased Oxygen Delivery : The high-pressure environment significantly increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream, enabling more oxygen to reach tissues and cells that are deprived of it.
2. Enhanced Healing : The surplus oxygen helps to promote faster healing of wounds and injuries by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
3. Reduction of Inflammation : HBOT reduces inflammation and swelling by decreasing the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules.
4. Enhanced Immune Function : The high levels of oxygen can improve the function of white blood cells, helping the body to fight infections more effectively.
5. Angiogenesis : HBOT stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in damaged tissues, improving blood supply and aiding in tissue repair.

 Indications for HBOT

HBOT is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

-  Decompression Sickness : Also known as "the bends," this condition occurs in divers who ascend too quickly.

-  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning : HBOT helps to rapidly remove carbon monoxide from the blood.

-  Chronic Wound Healing : Including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other non-healing wounds.

-  Radiation Injuries : Tissue damage caused by radiation therapy for cancer.

-  Infections : Particularly severe infections like necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) and osteomyelitis (bone infection).

-  Burns : To reduce tissue damage and promote healing in severe burns.

 Procedure

1. Preparation : The patient undergoes a medical evaluation to determine if HBOT is appropriate. They are then instructed on the procedure and any necessary pre-treatment preparations.
2. Entering the Chamber : The patient enters a hyperbaric chamber, which can be a single-person unit (monoplace) or a larger chamber that can accommodate multiple patients (multiplace).
3. Pressurization : The chamber is gradually pressurized with pure oxygen. The patient may feel a temporary fullness in their ears similar to what is experienced during airplane takeoff.
4. Treatment Session : The patient breathes normally while the chamber maintains the therapeutic pressure for a specified duration, typically 60 to 120 minutes per session.
5. Depressurization : After the session, the chamber is slowly depressurized back to normal atmospheric pressure.

 Safety and Side Effects

HBOT is generally safe when performed under medical supervision. Common side effects may include ear discomfort, sinus pressure, and temporary changes in vision. More serious but rare risks include oxygen toxicity, lung damage, and seizures.

Overall, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a valuable medical treatment that leverages the therapeutic benefits of oxygen under pressure to promote healing and recovery in various conditions.