What's HBOT?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Involves Breathing In Oxygen Pressurized By Up To 3 Times Higher Than Normal Oxygen Pressure

THE GOAL OF HBOT is to increase oxygen levels in the blood and all other tissues of the patient’s body so it can trigger the generation of molecules and other compounds that promote healing and assist in treating various diseases.

The human body requires a certain amount of oxygen to function. Typically, oxygen in the air, which is about 21%, is sufficient for survival. However, more oxygen is helpful to the tissues when the body is injured or falls ill.

Breathing in oxygen at room air is not enough for the body to trigger a fast healing process and assist in treating diseases. Therefore, HBOT increases the percentage of oxygen through a hyperbaric chamber to 99% to ensure that more blood cells and tissues are exposed to oxygen and its beneficial effects.

HBOT Increases The Percentage Of Oxygen Through A Hyperbaric Chamber To 99% (From 21%)

How Does HBOT Work?

Damage to the blood vessels due to injuries results in fluid discharge, which leaks into the tissues and causes swelling. As a result, the swelling blocks the blood vessels, depriving the injured cells of oxygen and causing tissues to deteriorate. By flooding the tissues with high-pressure oxygen, HBOT lowers swelling and accelerates wound healing.

When the blood supply returns to the tissues after they have been deprived of oxygen, it can cause severe damage, known as reperfusion injury. In addition, damaged cells generate dangerous oxygen radicals when blood flow is disrupted. HBOT promotes the search for issues and healing by encouraging oxygen radical scavengers.

HBOT strengthens the immune system and assists in preventing the action of harmful bacteria. Additionally, HBOT raises the tissue’s oxygen concentration and wards against infections. The treatment also enhances white blood cells’ capacity to eliminate invaders.

By promoting the development of new blood vessels, HBOT stimulates the growth of new cells. Additionally, it encourages the production of substances, such as growth factors and stem cells. These chemicals attract and energize the cells required for healing.

HBOT Benefits

HBOT is used to treat several medical conditions, including:

Carbon monoxide poisoning
Decompression injuries
Infection of skin or bone
Non-healing wounds
Traumatic brain injury
Severe anemia
Arterial gas

HBOT Safety

HBOT is generally a safe procedure with very few side effects. However, this treatment does have some risks if not implemented as recommended. These risks include:

However, serious side effects due to HBOT appear to be extremely rare. Currently, there has not been enough evidence showing that HBOT directly affects the patient’s overall health in the long term or causes irreversible side effects.

HBOT Lasts About Two Hours In Most Conditions

How Do I Prepare For An HBOT Session?

You will receive instructions from your healthcare provider before an HBOT procedure. A gown will be provided for you to wear during the treatment. Items that generate heat, such as battery-powered devices, are not allowed. Petroleum-based hair and skin care products may also need to be removed because they pose a fire risk.

HBOT lasts about two hours in most conditions. Your healthcare provider will keep an eye on you the whole time to ensure that there will be no problem as the procedure proceeds.

What To Expect During And After HBOT?

During an HBOT procedure, the air pressure you breathe is about 3 times higher than usual. As a result, your ears will experience a temporary feeling of fullness due to this. You might experience something like this while flying or at a high altitude.

After an HBOT procedure, your healthcare provider will check if you get any side effects by looking into your ears and eyes and measuring your blood pressure. Once the checking is complete, you can leave immediately.

HBOT requires multiple sessions to be effective, depending on your condition. For example, three visits may be necessary for carbon monoxide poisoning. Others, such as wounds that do not heal, may need more than that. The healing rate varies between 85% and 95% in patients who follow their physician’s course of treatment.