Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This pressurized environment allows your blood to carry more oxygen throughout your body. Increased oxygen levels can promote healing, fight infection, and reduce swelling.
HBOT is a well-established treatment for certain conditions, and research is ongoing to explore its effectiveness for others. Here’s a look at some of the conditions commonly treated with HBOT:
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Decompression Sickness (DCS): Also known as “the bends,” DCS is a condition that can occur after rapid ascent from underwater. DCS arises from nitrogen bubbles forming in your blood and tissues. HBOT helps to shrink these bubbles and alleviate symptoms.
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Air or Gas Embolism: When air bubbles enter your bloodstream and block blood flow, it can cause serious complications. HBOT can help to shrink these bubbles and restore blood flow.
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Gangrene: This serious condition involves tissue death due to lack of blood flow. HBOT can increase oxygen delivery to the affected area, promoting healing and potentially preventing amputation.
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Wounds that Won’t Heal: Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, can be resistant to treatment. HBOT can stimulate healing by increasing oxygen supply and promoting blood vessel growth.
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) can displace oxygen in your blood, leading to tissue damage and organ failure. HBOT helps deliver oxygen throughout your body and can be life-saving in cases of CO poisoning.
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Sudden Hearing Loss: In some cases, sudden hearing loss can respond to HBOT treatment. The increased oxygen may help regenerate damaged tissue in the inner ear.
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Burns: HBOT can promote healing and reduce the risk of infection in severe burns.
These are just some of the conditions that HBOT can be used to treat. It’s important to note that HBOT is not a cure-all, and it’s not always covered by insurance. Be sure to discuss HBOT with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, including HBOT.
For more about the HBOT, read this Mayo Clinic article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380
