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How HBOT Works

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an accepted therapeutic practice that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, typically inside a special chamber called a hyperbaric chamber. The increased pressure and elevated oxygen levels during HBOT provide several physiological benefits that promote healing and help manage various medical conditions. Here’s how HBOT works:

  1. Pressurized Environment: In a hyperbaric chamber, the atmospheric pressure is increased to levels higher than what we experience at sea level. This pressure can be up to two to three times greater than normal atmospheric pressure. This pressurized environment is a crucial aspect of HBOT.
  2. Breathing Pure Oxygen: While inside the chamber, the individual breathes 100% pure oxygen through a mask or hood. Breathing pure oxygen at increased pressure allows much more oxygen to dissolve in the bloodstream than what would be possible under normal atmospheric conditions.
  3. Oxygen Dissolution: The elevated pressure forces the extra oxygen to dissolve in the plasma (the liquid part of the blood) and other body fluids. This oxygen-rich plasma can then reach areas of the body with compromised blood flow, damaged tissues, or areas that are difficult for red blood cells to access.
  4. Enhanced Oxygen Delivery: The increased oxygen levels in the blood provide a significant oxygen boost to body tissues, even those with poor circulation. This oxygen is critical for cellular metabolism, energy production, and tissue repair.
  5. Stimulation of Healing: HBOT has various effects on the body that promote healing and recovery. These include:
    • Neovascularization: HBOT can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in areas with reduced blood supply. This helps improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
    • Reduced Inflammation: HBOT can reduce inflammation by modulating immune responses and limiting the release of pro-inflammatory substances. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions involving tissue damage and inflammation.
    • Enhanced Immune Function: HBOT can enhance the function of certain immune cells and promote the body’s ability to fight infections.
    • Formation of Collagen: HBOT can stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for wound healing and tissue repair.
    • Reduction of Edema: HBOT can help reduce swelling and edema by improving tissue oxygenation and promoting fluid reabsorption.
  6. Treatment Sessions: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is typically administered as a series of treatment sessions. The number of sessions and the duration of each session depend on the medical condition being treated and the patient’s response to therapy. Sessions can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  7. Decompression: After the treatment session is complete, the pressure inside the chamber is gradually decreased back to normal atmospheric pressure. This decompression phase is important to prevent potential side effects that can occur with rapid pressure changes.

HBOT is used to treat a variety of conditions, including non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, radiation injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, and certain infections. It is typically administered under the supervision of trained medical professionals and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The precise mechanisms of action for HBOT can vary depending on the specific medical condition being treated, but the increased oxygen levels and pressure play a central role in its therapeutic effects.