How Does HBOT Enhance Wound Healing?hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a type of treatment in which patients enter a chamber and in that chamber they are kept at a higher than normal pressure and they are allowed to breathe pure oxygen. This results in a much higher than normal oxygen concentration in their blood, and that increased oxygen gets out to their tissues. Poor wound healing often results from an inadequate blood flow and inadequate oxygen delivery to the tissues, and hyperbaric oxygen can not only provide oxygen directly, but it can actually stimulate the growth of new blood vessels into the area — and in both these ways it can help wound healing.There are many indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In wound healing centers, doctors would typically see patients who have diabetic foot wounds. These wounds can often be poor in blood supply and respond to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Also, patients who have deep-seated infections, especially infections of the bone, which can sometimes be called osteomyelitis, are seen. This is another condition that can be very helpfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. And, patients who have had radiation therapy for various types of cancer treatments benefit from this treatment. Patients who have had radiation can oftentimes develop wounds and symptoms from the radiation therapy.1.What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is the breathing of pure oxygen while inside a treatment chamber. The purpose of the therapy is to provide increased amounts of oxygen to the body.2.How does it work?The air we breathe is 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and minor amounts of other gases. Our bodies are usually able to heal themselves with a normal oxygen level, but in certain conditions extra oxygen is required. During HBO therapy, the pressure is increased with more than 90% purity oxygen. The breathing of pure oxygen under pressure causes a much larger than normal amount of oxygen to be dissolved in the blood and subsequently, the rest of the body. The extra oxygen is used by the body in many ways. Depending on the underlying problem, the oxygen can improve wound healing by reducing swelling, keeping infection under control and stimulating new blood vessel growth.3.How long is the treatment?Usually 60-90 minutes for each time, 5-7 Times per week. Doctors recommend using it continuously every day, but one time per day is enough. 4.Are there any side effects?Usually, there are no side effects to hyperbaric treatment. Some people may feel tired after a treatment. Other people may feel a popping in their ears. Sometimes, a patient may have small changes in vision. The changes are temporary. Let your Hyperbaric Unit technician or doctor know if this continues.5.How will it feel?You will feel the change in pressure in your ears when chamber inflating, similar to that when descending in an airplane. Once the chamber has had a chance to equalize you will not have any discomfort. During treatment, you will be able to watch videos and enjoy listening to by your phone and pad. You can also choose to just close your eyes and relax. At the end of the treatment, the chamber pressure is reduced.You will feel your ears "popping" during this phase. You can clear your ears by chewing (gum or food), swallowing, yawning. Once the chamber is fully pressurized, this feeling will return to normal.
