There is much debate and speculation regarding the process and benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. In this article, I will discuss the basic concept and benefits of HBOT, and list the various conditions that can be treated by HBOT therapy.
Understanding HBOT
HBOT, or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical procedure, wherein, patients are asked to breathe in pure oxygen at 100% atmospheric pressure.
The purpose of this whole exercise is to improve blood circulation, aid in the quicker recovery of damaged cells and tissues, help in the growth of new blood vessels and production of stem cell tissues that are actively involved in the repair of damaged organs. It is a non-invasive procedure.
Patients are asked to lie in a supine position in an acrylic bed chamber, the pressure of which is gradually increased by administering regular doses of pure oxygen from external pipes. All the patients need to do is breathe in this pure oxygen.
In normal circumstances, the blood vessels are the main carriers of oxygen to the organs, cells and tissues. HBOT therapy ensures that oxygen is dissolved in blood plasma, the fluids of the central nervous system, lymph nodes and bone marrow, that is, to all the areas that have been damaged by
limited oxygen supply. The greater the flow of oxygen is, the better are the chances of recovery. In fact, doctors even say that with regular HBOT treatment, the human body can survive without blood for two-to-three days, as oxygen is contained in every cell, tissue and organ of the body.
The increase in the oxygen levels in the body enhances the capacity of white blood cells to kill bacteria within the body, augments the growth of blood vessels in injured areas, and helps to reduce swelling.
Benefits Of HBOT Therapy
It is well-known that the necessary prerequisite for the healing process is the presence of oxygen. Most injuries and illnesses often linger at the tissue, or cellular level. In various cases like non-healing wounds,
circulatory problems, strokes etc, oxygen is not able to reach the damaged tissues, thereby prolonging the healing process. With HBOT therapy, the percentage of oxygen can be increased, and the process of recovery can be quickened. Patients who suffer from cerebral palsy, stroke, chronic fatigue and head injuries have found this therapy to be immensely helpful.
The Conditions That HBOT Therapy Can Treat
HBOT treatment is effective for all those debilitating conditions that are caused by limited oxygen supply to the different parts of the body. It is a good treatment for fighting bacterial infections, and can be administered in conjunction with antibiotics and drugs, or even be prescribed as the primary therapy. Medicare and insurance companies generally ensure payment for the following conditions:
Gas or air embolism.
Poisoning by carbon monoxide.
Crush injury/compartment syndrome/traumatic ischemias.
Bends or decompression sickness.
Diabetic wounds.
Anemia or blood loss.
Gas gangrene.
Necrotizing infection of soft tissues.
Intra-cranial abscess.
Radiation and Osteoradionecrosis tissue damage.
Osteomyelitis
Compromised flaps and skin grafts.
Thermal burns.
However, there are also many off-label conditions that may, or may not be covered by insurance. Such sicknesses include:
Autism.
Cerebral Palsy.
Migraine.
Lyme disease.
Multiple Sclerosis.
Near drowning.
Sports injuries.
Strokes.
Plastic surgery recovery.
Traumatic head and brain injuries.
The question that often plagues the minds of patients and relatives is the safety of this procedure. HBOT therapy is a safe procedure that is conducted under the keen supervision of trained
professionals. The fire-prevention methods are also well placed and full-proof. Patients are not allowed to carry in flammable objects with them that might accidentally start a fire. HBOT therapy is
a safe therapeutic procedure that can help to improve the lifestyle of patients suffering from various
debilitating conditions caused by the paucity of oxygen.
