Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen in a high-pressure oxygen therapy chamber at a level higher than 1 atmospheric absolute (ATA). The elevated pressure allows oxygen to diffuse and saturate more efficiently in the blood system, primarily in the plasma (independent of hemoglobin), which yields a wide variety of positive physiological, biochemical and cellular effects. HBOT is the most reliable non-invasive therapy for increasing oxygen levels in all organs.
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How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
In the oxygen therapy chamber, air pressure is increased to three times higher than normal air pressure. Under these conditions, the lungs can concentrate more oxygen than it would be possible to breathe pure oxygen at normal air pressure. The blood carries this oxygen throughout your body. This helps fight bacteria and stimulate the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing. HBOT is particularly useful for oxygenating and rejuvenating areas that have been damaged due to tissue damage from lack of oxygen.
What Does hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treat?
- Diabetic foot
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- Autism
- Bell’s palsy
- Brain damage
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Cirrhosis
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Hepatitis
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Sports injuries
- Injuries
- Bone edema
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound healing
- Reduces tissue hypoxia
- Reduce infection
- Increases oxygenation in body tissues
- Increase blood flow and circulation
- Boost the number of white blood cells
- Improve the effectiveness of antibiotics
- Reduce swelling and pain
For the full list of health benefits, check this article.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?
HBOT is very safe, especially when applied at lower pressures and according to proper instructions. Oxygen toxicity and adverse effects are rare and are more relevant to clinical applications in a hospital setting where patients receive very high dosages due to acute and life-threatening conditions. Incredibly safe records have been observed when applied at lower dosages.
