HBOT Highlights
In this blog, we will explain what hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), explore its benefits, when to use it, how it works, potential risks, and more.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that has been used for many years to treat an array of ailments and promote healing. It serves as a catalyst to improve the rate of healing for wounds that will not heal, infections where tissues are not getting sufficient oxygen, carbon monoxide poisoning and gangrene.
Oxygen chambers were first used in North America in the early 20th century. Then, the US Navy began using HBOT on deep-sea divers who were suffering from decompression sickness. After realizing hyperbaric chamber benefits, medical experts began using HBOT on an array of other health conditions, hoping it would be just as effective. Later, this therapy was used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning. Today, HBOT has proven to be an effective therapeutic treatment for patients with cyanide poisoning, crash injuries, decompression sickness, tissues affected by low blood flow, and various other ailments and conditions.
What is Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy?
When you break down the word “hyperbaric oxygen therapy,” hyper means increased, and baric refers to pressure. HBOT is an effective way to heal wounds by supplying oxygen-rich plasma to tissues that are in desperate need of oxygen. When a person enters a hyperbaric chamber, an increased level of oxygen is delivered to the body.
There are two types of hyperbaric oxygen chambers: a monoplace chamber and a multi-place chamber. The monoplace chamber is designed for one person and resembles an MRI machine while the multi-place chamber is created for two or more people at a time, and patients breathe in the oxygen through specialized masks.
Patients undergo a series of treatment sessions, usually 20 or more. However, the number of sessions may be increased if there are complications or if healing is occurring at a slower rate. During the treatment, the patient enters a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for 90 to 120 minutes per session and sits or lays comfortably as they breathe deeply.
Due to the pressure within the chamber, you may feel like your ears are blocked – similar to the sensation felt when an airplane takes off or lands. You can alleviate this sensation by swallowing or chewing gum.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy
Increases oxygen to the body’s tissues
HBOT is highly effective in delivering much-needed oxygen to tissues that are dying. During a hyperbaric chamber treatment, 100 percent (pure) oxygen flows through the chamber. This level of oxygen is similar to levels found at 33 to 45 feet below sea level. This level of oxygen allows your blood to absorb as much as 10 to 20 times the amount of oxygen that is available in the air. For context, the air we breathe contains roughly 21 percent oxygen. When an injury occurs, HBOT reduces the swelling and delivers oxygen-rich blood to the injured area. The higher the pressure is within the chamber, the greater amount of oxygen delivered to the blood.
Increases blood flow and circulation
Good blood circulation is fundamental to the functioning of our body. Whenever there is a problem with our circulatory system, vital organs like the brain, heart and other key organs will be unable to receive the oxygen they need to function well. That’s why it’s so important to have good circulation. As we age, blood flow throughout the body decreases.
This can be exasperated by health issues that may create or contribute to poor circulation. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment can improve blood flow throughout the body to ensure that all your vital organs are receiving the oxygenated blood they need to survive.
Patients with diabetes can experience poor blood circulation and develop foot ulcers which may leave bone, muscles or tendons exposed. Other people who benefit greatly from HBOT include patients who underwent radiation treatments to treat certain cancers.
During radiation, healthy tissue is damaged. This makes such patients perfect candidates for hyperbaric oxygen treatment since this type of therapy can help repair any damaged tissue.
Boosts white blood cells
One of the many hyperbaric chamber benefits is that it strengthens the immune system and can help rid the body of harmful bacteria. It does this by destroying toxins released by certain types of bacteria.
By increasing oxygen concentration in the body, HBOT gives the body a greater ability to ward off infections. Additionally, HBOT can give white blood cells extra strength to locate and destroy harmful bacteria.
Improves effectiveness of antibiotics
Many people think of HBOT as a tool to treat an injury or illness when it occurs. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used as a preventative measure – to improve your overall health so your body is better equipped to handle injury or illness.
Antibiotics destroy disease-causing bacteria in the body. Since HBOT can boost your immunity by strengthening white blood cells, it creates an environment that is better equipped to support antibiotic efficacy. HBOT also greatly reduces the chances of bacteria forming resistance.
Reduces swelling and pain
Pain and swelling/inflammation often go hand in hand. Whenever a part of the body is damaged due to injury, blood vessels excrete a fluid that fills up around the tissues and causes the area to swell.
This is a normal part of the initial healing process and allows healing agents within the body to rush to the injured area. Although pain and swelling are a way for the body to protect the injured area from further damage, swelling can create a barrier that starves cells of oxygen and causes these tissues to begin to die.
HBOT can be used as a tool for pain management. This is accomplished by infusing oxygen into damaged tissue cells at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure. The oxygen facilitates cell repair.
This, in turn, provides relief for people who suffer from chronic pain. Not only is this therapy treatment ideal for chronic pain, but it can also be instrumental in helping people recover from injuries quicker.
Contact Us
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment offers a variety of benefits and could be just what your body needs to alleviate pain, accelerate healing and achieve optimal health. Contact Newmarket Health & Wellness Centre today for more information about our Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy.
FAQ
HBOT facilitates healing through increased oxygen levels in a pressurized environment. The oxygen you breathe in a hyperbaric chamber is two to three times higher than normal air pressure. This enhances blood oxygenation and allows your body to heal tissues and withstand infections more effectively. HBOT has a strong reputation as a reliable treatment option for various illnesses and ailments.
The following are a few of the approved uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
• Decompression sickness
• Burns
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Gas gangrene
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Severe anemia
• Intercranial abscess
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections
• Skin grafts
• Cyanide poisoning
• Embolisms
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Compartment syndrome
• Bone infection
• Frostbite
• Radiation injuries
• Crush injuries
While HBOT is very beneficial for a range of conditions, it’s important to understand that it does not treat all illnesses and injuries. There is currently no evidence to support the success of HBOT in treating multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, cancer, AIDS, stroke, or migraine headaches.
Yes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and proven method of healing. Following a thorough scientific analysis of hyperbaric chambers, Health Canada has determined that HBOT is an effective treatment option for specific conditions (see the list above). Health Canada requires licensing for the import and sale of hyperbaric chambers in Canada. The Medical Devices Regulations ensure the safety and quality of medical devices in Canada through pre-market evaluations and post-market observation.
The facility’s healthcare team or your personal physician will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for HBOT. Since hyperbaric oxygen chambers can have adverse effects on skin care products, you may be advised to avoid certain products. Before your HBOT session, you may be asked not to wear lotions, hairsprays, perfumes, or make-up.
When you arrive for your treatment, you’ll change into a hospital gown or scrubs and remove metal objects and electronic devices from your person. It’s recommended to visit the restroom before entering the hyperbaric chamber, as sessions can last anywhere from 45 to 300 minutes depending on the condition.
A healthcare provider will be present to answer questions and monitor your health throughout the session. You’ll either be in a monoplace chamber which treats a single person, or a multiplace chamber which treats two or more people at a time. In a monoplace chamber, you may stay lying down during treatment, as opposed to being in a multiplace chamber, where you’re more likely to remain seated. This is because monoplace chambers you use a specialized mask or transparent oxygen hood to accommodate more people in a small space.
Closing the hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber can cause your ears to feel clogged or pop, similar to flying or driving through the mountains. To relieve the pressure, try yawning or holding your nose as you swallow. You may pass the time by watching television, sleeping, listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, playing card games, or reading.
Once you finish your HBOT session, it’s normal to feel slightly lightheaded, tired, or have a mild headache. It’s best to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home in case you experience any short-term side effects.
Always consult with your personal physician before participating in medical tests or procedures, such as HBOT. Under certain circumstances, HBOT can increase risks of further harm or injury.
If you have been diagnosed with or are experiencing any of the following, you should avoid hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
• Pregnant
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Fever
• Cold
• Ear injury
• Recent ear surgery
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe treatment method and complications are rare, but not impossible. As with all medical procedures, HBOT does carry some risks.
Here is a list of the potential risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
• Claustrophobia induced panic attacks
• Middle ear injuries
• Sinus congestion
• Temporary nearsightedness
• Low blood sugar
• Oxygen poisoning
• Seizures
• Lung collapse
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy typically requires multiple sessions before you receive the full benefits. The number of sessions you have depends on the medical condition. For example, treating carbon monoxide poisoning may require three visits, while healing infected or large wounds can take 40 treatments or more. It’s essential to complete the full course of treatment you’re prescribed and maintain open communication with your healthcare providers throughout the process.
When performed by a certified health care professional, HBOT is safe and effective.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes the growth of new skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Here are more of the numerous benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
• Prevents reperfusion injury
• Reduces swelling
• Blocks harmful bacteria and boosts immunity
• Neutralizes bacteria toxins
• Increases oxygen concentration in tissues
• Encourages collagen and skin cell formation
• Stimulates cells needed for healing
• Raises oxygen levels in the blood
You can resume your daily activities almost immediately following hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The onsite medical staff will examine you after your session to ensure you’re safe to go home. They might examine look in your ears, measure your blood pressure, and check your blood glucose levels. Once the team gives you all clear, you’ll be able to get dressed and leave with your pre-arranged ride.