Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, uses a specialized chamber to increase the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream. The chamber is pressurized two and one-half to three times greater than normal air pressure, thus forcing more oxygen into the blood and throughout the body. Originally developed to treat divers, research is slowly uncovering the benefits of HBOT to treat a variety of conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Wound Healing
Under disease conditions such as diabetes, the circulation becomes poor in the periphery of the body; therefore, the skin is unable to heal efficiently, resulting in diabetic ulcers. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the oxygen concentration in the blood circulation, in turn increasing white blood cell count. White blood cells collect damaged cellular tissue and protect the body from invading foreign substances. The increased oxygen, in addition to white blood cells, help the diabetic wound to heal by spurring the growth of new blood vessels and tissues, according to the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation.
Brain Injury
Brain injury can occur when the brain does not receive enough oxygen; this results in brain tissue death. A lack of oxygenation of the brain is a result of stroke, a lack of oxygen supply, perhaps due to carbon monoxide poisoning or drowning or from exposure to poisons or toxins. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat brain injury from a lack of oxygen in order to aid the healing process. Some researchers have reported that HBOT reduces after-care costs as well, according to Creighton University Medical Center.
Presently, little evidence indicates the benefit of HBOT for autism; however, research studies have indicated that some areas of the brain are oxygen deficient and some regions are inflamed in autistic individuals; therefore, some believe using HBOT is beneficial to improve autistic symptoms and decrease inflammation by augmenting the healing process, notes the University of Florida.
Infection
Osteomyelitis, which is caused by an infectious organism, can be treated with HBOT. Some infectious organisms require an environment that lacks oxygen; therefore, these types of infections die when exposed to increased concentrations of oxygen through HBOT. The increased oxygen circulated throughout the body increases the activity of white blood cells called polymorphonuclear leukocytes that destroy the infection, according to the Upstate University Hospital.
Others
Healthcare practitioners are beginning to use HBOT for "off-label" conditions, or conditions that have not been treated with HBOT before. Such conditions include Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, athletic injuries and following alcohol or drug overdose, according to Creighton University Medical Center. Research has yet to confirm the efficacy of using HBOT for such conditions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation: Hyperbaric Therapy Heals Diabetics' Wounds
- Creighton University Medical Center: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- University of Florida: What is high prepared oxygen therapy and how does this relate to the treatment of autism?
- Upstate University Hospital: Refractory Osteomyelitis
