Hyperbaric O-xygen Therapy (HBOT)
What is Hyperbaric
O-xygen Therapy?
is a medical treatment by which 100% o-xygen is administrated at greater than normal pressure in order to treat specific medical indications.
Long established as the primary therapy in the treatment of medical disorders such as carbon monoxide poisoning and gas gangrene.
Hyperbaric O-xygen Therapy is now increasingly being used as an adjunctive therapy in the management of variety disorders, refractory to standard medical and surgical care (including cosmetic surgery, sport medicine as well as aesthetic and therapeutic applications).
O-xygen is essential to any healing process.
Benefits of Hyperbaric O-xygen Therapy
Through HBOT, the concentration of the o-xygen dissolved in the bloodstream is thus raised many times above normal (up to 2000%). This high concentration of o-xygen is used to accelerate the healing process (tissue regeneration via neo-angiogenesis) after any plastic surgery, wound care, burn victims, many neuralgic, orthopedic and emergency conditions as well as systematic-degenerative diseases.
In addition to the blood, all body fluids (including the lymph and cerebral-spinal fluids) are infused with the healing benefits of this molecular o-xygen.
It can reach bone and tissues which are not accessible by the red blood cells, enhance white blood cells function, and promote the formation of new capillary and peripheral blood vessels (neo-angiogenesis). The result in the application of this therapy is reflected on an increased control of infections and a faster healing of a wide range of medical conditions.
With HBOT, patients have remained free of opportunistic infections, experiencing relief from chronic fatigue and maintain their body weight.
It is important emphasize, that in addition to the specific purpose for its use, HBOT has been shown to be particularly effective as aesthetic treatment for rejuvenation, anti-aging (skin toner, cellulite and wrinkles reduction). More saturation of o-xygen in tissues will result in high levels of collagen, and stimulation of the immune system (among other benefits).
Also, some patients report mind clarity and more concentration, renewed energy and reduction of fatigue following HBOT treatments. Other uses are for the treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions. HBOT has also increasingly used by professional sports teams and Olympic athletes to improve their strength and performance as well as for faster healing in injuries.
Frequent Asked Questions
Hyperbaric O-xygen Therapy (HBOT) usually triggers curiosity and some common sense questions. The most frequently asked questions in layman’s language are:
HBOT could be combined with other treatments?
HBOT has been proven to be effective in treating many diseases (see chart below). It does not replace other reliable treatments such as surgery and medication, but is generally prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.
Are there any side effects or after effects?
The most common effect is a “fullness” or popping sensation in the patient ears which last only briefly. This sensation is the same as experienced in an airplane during ascent and decent. Those who can fly with minimal ear problems can very likely undergo HBOT very easily. When patients are placed in the HBOT chamber is carefully monitored by a medical attendant at all times. Communication through a built-in audio intercom allows the patient, the attendant and doctor to be in constant communication.
What are the treatments like?
HBOT treatments include three phases:
Compression, Prescribed HBO Treatment Time and Decompression.
Compression: After the doors are closed, you can hear the compressing gas circulate. You can feel a “fullness” in your ears like flying or mountain driving. The attendant communicates with you and the speed of compression is adjusted to your comfort level.
Prescribed Treatment: Treatments begin when pressure reaches the prescribed level (each medical condition has its own protocol of treatment). During the treatment you may rest, sleep, listen to music or read a book.
Decompression: The attendant let you know when the treatment is complete. The pressure then is slowly lowered at the rate which is comfortable for your ears. Ten to fifteen minutes later the decompression process is complete and door is opened.
Length of treatment: Approximately 1:30 hr.
What medical conditions and pathologies are treated with HBOT?
Accepted indications for Hyperbaric O-xygen Therapy involve a wide range of clinical conditions including
Emergency Indications:
Air or Gas Embolism Decompression Sickness
Bums
Thermal Burns
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Cerebral Edema
Closed Head Injuries
Blast Crush Injury (compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemia)
Gas Gangrene
Near Electrocution
Smoke Inhalation
Selected Refractory Anaerobic Infections
Exceptional Blood Loss (Anemia)
Necrotizing Soft Tissue
Radiation Necrosis (Osteoradionecrosis and Soft Tissue Radiation Necrosis)
Side effects of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy (related with cancer treatments)
Compromised Skin Grafts or Flaps
Gout
Specific Neurologic Indications
Vegetative Coma (close head injury, hypoxic encephalopathy)
Multiple Sclerosis (acute, relapsing, remitting, chronic progressive)
Cranial Nerve Syndromes (trigeminal neuralgia, optic neuritis, vestibular disorders,
sudden deafness) Peripheral Neuropathy, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
Orthopedic Indications
Crush Injuries
Soft Tissue Swelling (traumatic, cellulites-infection)
Compartment Syndrome
Clostridial Myonecrosis
Acute & Chronic Ostiomielitis
Fracture-non-union
Miscellaneous Indications
Peripheral Vascular Ulcer (arterial decubitus, neuropathy, venous)
Gangrene (wet & dry)
Buerger’s Disease
Air Embolism
Cerebral Edema (toxic encephalopathy, vasogenic, traumatic)
Spinal Cord Contusion (physiological trans-section, partial motor or sensory loss)
Early Organic Brain Syndrome
Stroke (acute, chronic)
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinal Artery Occlusion Retinal Vein Thrombosis
Migraine
Pseudo membranous Colitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (acute)
Peptic Ulcer
Myocardial Infarction
Radiation Cystitis & Enteritis
Refractory Mycoses
Chronic Fatigue
Cerebral Palsy
Detoxification
Autism
Post-Polio Syndrome
