A look at hyperbaric oxygen therapy’s effect on various conditions and working

The human body has a remarkable ability to heal itself under adequate conditions. When the body’s tissues are injured or infected, they need more oxygen to heal back to normal. Breathing in highly pressurized oxygen chambers can help fight infections and promote wound healing. This article discusses the necessary details about hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

• In Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, individuals breathe in a specialized oxygen chamber. Air pressure is increased up to four times the normal pressure. This allows the improved delivery of oxygen to the body tissues. It is useful for treating wounds and infections. Whether the oxygen is needed for a short duration or the long term, depends on the individual’s condition. 

The therapy is prescribed by a health care provider to individuals with certain conditions that require a supplemental source of oxygen.

Working Of HBOT

• The process takes place inside a special chamber in which the patient breathes medical-grade oxygen. The pressure inside the chamber is gradually increased which dissolves oxygen in the blood plasma. Normally, the blood plasma cannot carry oxygen. This job is done by red blood cells and hemoglobin under normal conditions. 

When oxygen is dissolved in the plasma portion of blood, it is carried deep into the body tissues up to 4 times further. This results in a higher concentration of dissolved oxygen in the blood and thus better healing.

Conditions HBOT Treats

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT is usually an outpatient procedure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is beneficial in the treatment of several health conditions including:

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 
• Crush Injury & Trauma
• Diabetic Lower Extremity Wounds
• Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
• Severe Anemia
• Sudden Hearing Loss
• Thermal Burns

Benefits Of HBOT

• HBOT increases the amount of blood oxygen thereby promoting health in several ways including:

Anti-Inflammation

• HBOT mitigates inflammation-causing agents by constricting blood vessels to allow less leakage and thereby less inflammation.

Antimicrobial Effect

• The therapy weakens the micro-organisms and improves the body’s antioxidants. This effect prevents infections.

Neovascularization

• Stimulates circulation and growth of new blood vessels.

Stem Cell Mobilization

• It promotes healing by mobilizing stem cells in the body that later differentiate into healthy tissues.

Procedure

• Before beginning the session individuals are asked to wear a cotton medical gown.
• Individuals are made to sit or lie in a sealed chamber, maybe alone or with other people.
• The next step is receiving the pressurized oxygen which is delivered through a mask or a hood.
• Individuals can talk with the therapist or discontinue anytime if they feel uncomfortable.
• Reading a magazine, or listening to music encourages relaxation and efficiency of the treatment.
• If the chamber is for one, the person is made to lie down on a table that slides into a tube where the treatment begins.

Duration Of Therapy

• The duration of the session depends on each individual’s condition and the reason for treatment. For some only one session is required including people with carbon monoxide poisoning. Serious conditions such as soft tissue necrosis may require as many as 8 sessions of treatment. 

In general, the average session lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The length of the session is longer for chronic illnesses.

Safety Considerations

• Begin using oxygen therapy only after consultation with a physician.
• Abstain from substance use, drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages at least four hours before beginning the treatment.
• Do not take hallucinogenic, sleep medications, or other psychoactive substances before the treatment. 

Oxygen therapy can reinstate your normal life so you never have to compromise on the quality of your life. Our experts at Ucryo & Recovery specialize in providing effective oxygen therapy treatment. Book your appointments at (940) 218-4016. We are operating in Bartonville, Texas.