What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and How Does It Work?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an advanced medical treatment that uses increased air pressure and pure oxygen to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and support tissue recovery. Originally developed to treat conditions such as decompression sickness in divers, HBOT has since been adapted for a wide range of health issues, from wound healing to chronic illness management, and even athletic performance recovery. In this article, we’ll explore what HBOT is, how it works, and its growing list of applications in modern medicine.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, typically at 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This heightened pressure allows the lungs to absorb significantly more oxygen than they would under normal conditions. The extra oxygen is then dissolved into the body’s tissues, blood, and other fluids, promoting faster healing and enhancing the body’s natural ability to repair itself.

HBOT is administered in specialized chambers, which are either monoplace (designed for one person) or multiplace (designed to accommodate several people at once). Patients typically sit or lie comfortably during their treatment session, which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the medical condition being treated.

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?

At the heart of HBOT is the principle of oxygen saturation. Under normal circumstances, the oxygen we breathe is transported by red blood cells and carried to tissues throughout the body. However, under the pressurized conditions of a hyperbaric chamber, oxygen is dissolved into all body fluids—blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, lymphatic fluid, and even bones. This increases the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues that are often starved for oxygen, such as areas of injury, infection, or inflammation.

Here’s a closer look at how HBOT works at a physiological level:

1. Increased Oxygen Delivery to Tissues:
   • During HBOT, the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to damaged or oxygen-starved tissues is dramatically enhanced. This is crucial because many injuries or illnesses—especially chronic ones—are characterized by restricted blood flow or poor oxygenation. HBOT increases oxygen concentration in these areas, accelerating healing and promoting cellular regeneration.
2. Enhanced Healing and Recovery:
   • Oxygen is vital for cell repair and regeneration. The increased oxygen levels delivered during HBOT enhance the body’s natural healing processes, stimulate the production of collagen (essential for skin and tissue repair), and promote the formation of new blood vessels in areas where circulation has been impaired.
3. Reduction of Inflammation and Swelling:
   • Hyperbaric oxygen helps reduce inflammation and swelling, which can be particularly beneficial for those with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases. By reducing inflammation, HBOT alleviates pain, promotes faster recovery, and allows tissues to heal more efficiently.
4. Combatting Infections:
   • Many infections, especially bacterial ones, thrive in low-oxygen environments. HBOT increases oxygen levels, which can help the body fight off infections more effectively. Additionally, HBOT has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics, making it a valuable adjunct treatment for hard-to-treat infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
5. Reduction of Oxidative Stress:
   • HBOT helps to reduce oxidative stress by supporting the body’s antioxidant systems. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, can lead to chronic inflammation, cell damage, and various diseases. By increasing oxygen levels in the body, HBOT promotes cellular repair and combats the harmful effects of oxidative stress.

Conditions Treated by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide variety of medical conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently approves HBOT for several specific conditions, while ongoing research continues to explore its potential for new applications. Here are some of the key conditions treated with HBOT:

1. Chronic Wounds and Diabetic Ulcers:
   • One of the most common applications of HBOT is in the treatment of chronic wounds, especially those that fail to heal with conventional therapies. Diabetic ulcers, in particular, benefit from the enhanced oxygenation provided by HBOT, which accelerates healing and reduces the risk of amputation.
2. Radiation Injuries:
   • Patients who undergo radiation therapy for cancer may experience long-term tissue damage, especially in areas where blood flow is restricted. HBOT helps to repair radiation-damaged tissues by increasing oxygen supply and promoting new blood vessel growth.
3. Decompression Sickness (The Bends):
   • HBOT was originally developed to treat decompression sickness, a condition experienced by divers who ascend too quickly from deep water. The therapy helps reduce nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and supports recovery from this potentially life-threatening condition.
4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
   • HBOT is used in emergency situations to treat carbon monoxide poisoning. By increasing oxygen levels in the body, HBOT helps displace carbon monoxide from red blood cells and restores oxygen delivery to tissues.
5. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke:
   • HBOT is increasingly being used to treat traumatic brain injuries and stroke, where restricted blood flow and tissue damage lead to oxygen deprivation. Studies show that HBOT can improve neurological function, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair in the brain.
6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia:
   • People suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia often experience systemic inflammation, pain, and fatigue. HBOT’s ability to reduce inflammation and promote cellular repair makes it a promising therapy for managing these chronic conditions.
7. Burn Injuries:
   • Burn patients can benefit from HBOT because it enhances the healing process, reduces swelling, and helps prevent infections. The therapy can also reduce the need for skin grafts by promoting better wound healing.
8. Athletic Recovery:
   • Athletes use HBOT to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall performance. By increasing oxygenation, HBOT speeds up the healing of sports injuries and helps athletes return to peak performance faster.

What to Expect During HBOT Treatment

A typical HBOT session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, though treatment times may vary depending on the condition being treated. Patients enter a specialized chamber where they can either sit or lie down. Once the chamber is sealed, the air pressure is gradually increased to 1.5 to 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure, and the patient breathes 100% oxygen.

During the session, patients may feel a sensation of fullness in their ears, similar to what is experienced during an airplane takeoff. This can be alleviated by yawning or swallowing. The experience itself is generally relaxing, with patients often resting or even sleeping during the session.

Potential Side Effects of HBOT

HBOT is generally considered safe when administered by trained professionals, but like any medical treatment, it carries some risks. The most common side effect is ear discomfort due to the changes in air pressure. Other potential risks include temporary vision changes, sinus discomfort, and, in rare cases, oxygen toxicity.

Patients with certain conditions, such as a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), may not be suitable candidates for HBOT. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before undergoing HBOT to ensure it is a safe and appropriate treatment option.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a powerful, non-invasive treatment that can accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and improve recovery from a variety of conditions. Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or seeking to enhance athletic performance, HBOT offers a safe and effective option for improving overall health. As research into HBOT continues to expand, it is likely that even more applications for this therapy will emerge, further cementing its role in modern medicine.

If you’re interested in learning more about how HBOT can benefit you, contact Under Pressure today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward better health.