Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a type of medical treatment that involves the use of pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. The therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions and diseases, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and wounds that are not healing properly due to diabetes or radiation injury.

History

The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy dates back to the 17th century, when British physician Henshaw used a system of organ bellows to increase the atmospheric pressure in a sealed chamber. The modern era of HBOT began in the mid-20th century, when it was used to treat decompression sickness in deep-sea divers.

Mechanism of action

In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient breathes 100% oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows more oxygen to be dissolved in the bloodstream, which can help to promote healing in damaged tissues. The high concentration of oxygen can also help to kill certain types of bacteria and to increase the effectiveness of some antibiotics.

Indications

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Decompression sickness
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Gas gangrene
• Arterial gas embolism
• Chronic non-healing wounds
• Osteomyelitis
• Radiation necrosis
• Thermal burns

Contraindications

While HBOT is generally safe, there are some conditions for which it is contraindicated, including untreated pneumothorax and certain types of lung disease.

Side effects

Possible side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include barotrauma to the ears and sinuses, myopia, and oxygen toxicity, which can cause seizures.

See also

• Oxygen therapy
• Decompression sickness
• Carbon monoxide poisoning