Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) uses pressurized oxygen to increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood. This process delivers oxygen to tissues that need it for healing and repair, and it can benefit areas affected by injury or reduced blood flow. Because oxygen supports cellular function and tissue repair, HBOT helps treat certain medical conditions. Here are four hyperbaric therapy applications:
1. Bacterial Infections
When bacteria invade deep tissue, low oxygen levels in that area may allow certain organisms to multiply. Anaerobic bacteria grow best in low-oxygen environments. Hyperbaric therapy raises oxygen levels in tissue, so it may slow the growth of these organisms and support the work of white blood cells. Physicians also use HBOT alongside surgery and antibiotics for necrotizing soft tissue and bone infections that have not responded to standard care. By improving oxygen delivery to affected tissue, HBOT can help control difficult infections and support tissue recovery.
2. Gas Inhalation
Addressing carbon monoxide poisoning is a common use of hyperbaric therapy. Faulty furnaces, portable generators, blocked chimneys, and vehicles running in enclosed garages can cause this condition. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin more strongly than oxygen does, so the blood delivers less oxygen to key organs. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
In normal air, carbon monoxide takes several hours to clear by half from the blood. With 100 percent oxygen at normal pressure, that time drops, and inside a hyperbaric chamber, it occurs even faster. Emergency physicians may recommend HBOT for patients with severe exposure, loss of consciousness, neurological symptoms, or pregnancy. The therapy is also used in some cases of smoke inhalation that involve cyanide.
3. Chronic Wounds
A wound is generally classified as chronic when it has not moved through the normal stages of healing within a couple of months. Diabetic foot ulcers are commonly treated with hyperbaric therapy. Poor circulation reduces blood supply to the wound, and nerve damage and high blood sugar can further interfere with healing.
Oxygen helps form new blood vessels, produce collagen, and fight infection. By increasing the oxygen dissolved in blood plasma, HBOT may support these processes in tissue that circulation does not reach well. Hyperbaric therapy is one part of a broader wound care plan, and these typically include:
- Regular cleaning and removal of dead tissue
- Blood sugar management
- Relieving pressure on the affected area
- Infection control
4. Skin Injuries
Some skin injuries benefit from increased oxygen delivery when blood flow to the affected tissue is reduced, or healing is delayed. Compromised skin grafts and flaps are sometimes managed with HBOT. If a graft or flap shows signs of poor blood flow after surgery, some surgeons refer the patient for hyperbaric sessions. Acute thermal burns can also be treated; this usually occurs at specialized burn centers. Outcomes vary based on the size and depth of the injury, overall health, and how soon treatment begins.
Schedule Hyperbaric Therapy
Hyperbaric therapy is used for a defined set of medical conditions, and eligibility depends on your diagnosis and history. A physician referral is often required. Before your first session, doctors will review your records, explain how the chamber works, and answer your questions. Call a wound care specialist today to schedule a consultation.
