The Science behind Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: How it works to heal

Therapy
Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT can really save lives. HBOT uses pure oxygen and more pressure to treat people inside a special room called hyperbaric chamber. Think of the therapeutic effects these higher concentrations bring about; helping wounds heal faster and treating different medical issues.

More and more people are getting interested in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for a few reasons such as new ways it can be used, taking care of wounds, good results, scientific discoveries, caring for patients, approval from the government, support from patient groups and awareness, and advances in technology.

In this article, we look at how HBOT works and why it seems like a good and needed help in the world of medicine now.

How HBOT works

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy simply combines the power of pure oxygen inside a space of high pressure to provide body tissues and cells with higher oxygen concentrations. Highlighted below are the different ways through which HBOT can carry out its functions.

  • Wound injuries can be devastating, breaking down delicate vessels to cause gaping wounds that swell and suffocate cells with a lack of oxygen. HBOT functions to combat this cycle, providing oxygen-rich plasma to different parts of the body. The hyperbaric chamber creates a fortress of pressurized air, allowing more oxygen into the stagnating areas so that tissues can receive much-needed sustenance – thus avoiding complete death. If we didn’t have HBOT pitching in to save bodies from destruction, our healthcare systems would remain crippled and helpless against wound injury destruction.
  • HBOT tackles “reperfusion injury” head-on. We’re talking about the tissue devastation that occurs when blood flow is restored to parts of the body previously deprived of oxygen. Take, for example, a crush injury – it can trigger a series of events within hurt cells that unleash devastating and irreversible oxygen radicals throughout all affected tissues. Fortunately, under HBOT’s watchful eye, the body’s own scavengers work together to corral these molecules and keep healing steadily progressing.
  • HBOT has an impressive impact on germs and can be instrumental in shoring up the body’s natural defenses. It turns off the toxic vibes caused by some bacteria, while flooding outlying areas with more oxygen. This boost helps fend off invaders and boosts white blood cells’ super powers to locate and eliminate them.
  • HBOT gives skin a much-needed boost by supporting the buildup of new collagen and fresh cells – plus it helps to work wonders for wound healing! It does this by kickstarting an increase in blood vessels, opening up those little faucets of life inside your body. What’s more, it also instigates stimulated cells to pump out essential goodies that aid in stimulation such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This powerfully attracts and ignites points with specialized tissues known as endothelial cells required for speedy recovery.

What occurs during the process of HBOT?

Don’t even think about getting a prescription for HBOT from anyone other than your healthcare provider! Fortunately, there are plenty of hospitals and clinics with these chambers. You’ll find it quite comfortable just relaxing, sitting or lying down as you take in deep breaths. Depending on why you’re having the treatment, your session could range anywhere from 45 minutes to five whole hours!

You may feel a funny sensation in your ears due to the sudden changes in pressure inside the HBOT cabin. The feeling is very similar to when you ascend high altitudes with abnormal pressure. There is nothing to be alarmed of though because chewing gum can get your ears back to normal.

Your blood works overtime, flushing the tissues with fresh oxygen so they can start their recovery. After a session, you might feel a little dizzy. As for side effects; claustrophobia, fatigue and headaches are typically mild – just make sure someone drives you home after your hyperbaric oxygen therapy!

HBOT often requires multiple sessions for it to be as effective as users want. That’s why you need to ask your insurance company if these treatments are in your insurance plan.

How HBOT can impact diabetic foot ulcers

  • Improved Wound Healing: Improved Wound Healing: Diabetic foot ulcers are notorious for their slow healing and potential for complications. HBOT speeds up the healing of wounds by giving oxygen directly to the hurt parts. This better use of oxygen helps the body fix tissue, close the wound and make new blood vessels. All these things help to heal faster.
  • Increasing The Effectiveness of Antibiotics: In cases of infected diabetic foot ulcers, combining Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and antibiotics is a powerful one-two punch. High-pressure oxygen helps antibiotics really focus on bacteria and destroy it in no time.
  • Lesser Risks of Amputation: One of the most severe complications of diabetic foot ulcers is the risk of amputation. Helping healing quicker and less chance of getting sick, HBOT can decrease the need for amputation in people with diabetes.
  • Long-Term Wound Healing: When it comes to diabetic foot ulcers, sometimes they really stick around, for weeks or even months. If other treatments don’t help, HBOT is the best choice to battle those hard-to-heal wounds and restore hope for long-term healing.
  • Reducing Pain and Discomfort: HBOT can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with diabetic foot ulcers. By helping them get better and lowering swelling, patients often feel less hurt. Their lives get better and they can move more easily.
  • Prevention: With the early stages of tissue damage potentially leading to diabetic foot ulcers, it’s no wonder that HBOT is being used as a preventive measure. Obviously, this is an easier solution than merely waiting for more severe wounds to develop.

Final Words

The science of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, particularly through the use of HBOT chambers,  paints a stunning picture of how oxygen and the body complement each other to promote healing. By bursting forth with enriched air under complete control, HBOT speeds up wound-healing like nobody’s business, reduces inflammation, and could possibly give modern medicine an extra boost in treating diverse medical complications. Progressing constantly, HBOT has transformed – and continues to change – the way experts perceive cure, stirring new prospects as well as understanding into the miraculous art of restoring health.

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