Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a physics-based non-invasive procedure in which increased atmospheric pressure diffuses more oxygen into the tissues and vital organs such as lungs, muscles, and brain. Your lungs can collect much more oxygen under these conditions than it would be possible to breathe pure oxygen at normal air pressure.
In simple words, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is inhaling almost 100% oxygen under high pressure in a closed chamber. It has been approved as a treatment option for carbon monoxide poisoning, air embolism, decompression illness, burn wounds healing, gangrene, some infections etc.
Dr Richa Sareen, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, explains Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Its Benefits And Potential Risks.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
One can anticipate quicker healing, decreased inflammation and fatigue, detoxification and tissue repair with the great benefits of pure oxygen, which is important for a person’s overall well-being.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enables high partial pressure oxygen delivery to easily enter tissues at elevated concentrations, which could reverse the hypoxic state by maintaining cell metabolism and mitochondrial function.
What are the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
The creation of new collagen and skin cells is facilitated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Often, it can help speed up recovery.
It has been approved as a treatment option for carbon monoxide poisoning, air embolism, decompression illness, burn wounds healing, gangrene, some infections etc.
This technique helps strengthen diabetic wounds by adding plasma rich in oxygen to the tissue that is hungry for oxygen. It can be used for the treatment of other medical conditions as well. Further evidence is needed to expand on the efficacy and benefits of this therapy.
What are the risks associated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
It is a costly therapy, done at specialized centres involving one or more sessions as per the disease. However, as it involves inhaling oxygen under high pressure, it has some risks associated. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can cause anxiety, claustrophobia, tinnitus, ear and sinus infections and rarely pulmonary edema.
It should be done under expert supervision to avoid risks. It is advised to take the doctor’s recommendation before this treatment is performed.
