Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Iyperbaric medicine, also referred to as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), involves the medical application of oxygen at levels higher than atmospheric pressure. The necessary equipment includes a pressure chamber, which may be constructed rigidly or flexibly, and a method for administering 100% oxygen.

Trained personnel operate the equipment according to a predetermined schedule, monitoring the patient's condition and making adjustments as necessary.

While HBOT was initially developed for treating decompression sickness, it has proven effective for conditions like gas gangrene and carbon monoxide poisoning. Although research has explored its potential benefits for conditions such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, significant evidence remains lacking.

HBOT employs several therapeutic principles:

- Increased overall pressure is beneficial for treating decompression sickness and air embolism.

- In many cases, HBOT's therapeutic effect stems from significantly raising the partial pressure of oxygen in the body's tissues, surpassing levels achievable with pure oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure.

- Another benefit is the enhanced oxygen transport capacity of the blood. While oxygen transport is typically limited by the oxygen-binding capacity of hemoglobin in red blood cells, HBOT stimulates increased oxygen transport via blood plasma.

- Recent evidence suggests that HBOT exposure mobilizes stem/progenitor cells from the bone marrow through a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism, potentially aiding in the recovery of damaged organs and tissues.

Originally developed for treating diving-related disorders like decompression sickness and gas embolism, HBOT reduces the size of gas bubbles in tissues and enhances blood flow to affected areas. The high oxygen concentrations help sustain oxygen-deprived tissues and facilitate the removal of nitrogen from bubbles, making them smaller until they consist solely of oxygen, which is reabsorbed by the body. Following bubble elimination, pressure is gradually returned to atmospheric levels.

Patients may experience discomfort in their ears due to pressure differences, alleviated by techniques like the Valsalva maneuver or "jaw wiggling." As pressure increases, mist and warmth may develop within the chamber, potentially causing ear drum rupture and severe pain.

To reduce pressure, a valve is opened, allowing air to exit the chamber. As pressure decreases, ear squeaking may occur as pressure inside the ear normalizes with the chamber. Temperature within the chamber decreases accordingly, with pressurization and depressurization rates adjusted based on individual patient needs.