Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, often abbreviated as HBOT, is a functional medicine procedure that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. By increasing air pressure to a level higher than normal atmospheric pressure, the lungs can gather more oxygen than would be possible by breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. This process allows the blood to carry this increased amount of oxygen throughout the body, which can help promote healing and fight certain types of infections.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment administered inside a specialized chamber. Inside the chamber, the air pressure can be increased up to three times higher than normal. Under these conditions, the patient breathes 100% oxygen.
Oxygen is normally transported throughout the body by red blood cells. With HBOT, the increased air pressure allows the oxygen to dissolve directly into all of the body’s fluids, including the plasma. This oxygen-rich environment allows the gas to reach areas where circulation may be diminished or blocked.
The elevated concentration of oxygen in the body’s tissues can produce several effects. It can stimulate the release of substances called stem cells, which promote healing. It also supports the body’s ability to fight bacteria and strengthens the immune system’s response. The therapy enhances the action of white blood cells in their mission to engulf and destroy foreign invaders.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recognized as a standard treatment for a number of medical conditions. It is used to treat serious infections, such as those affecting skin and bone, that cause tissue death. Other approved uses include:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Gas gangrene
- Non-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers
- Severe anemia
- Skin grafts or flaps at risk of tissue death
- Sudden deafness
- Thermal burns
For these conditions, HBOT is typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other medical and surgical interventions.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Preparation for hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves specific steps to promote safety and effectiveness. Before the first session, a healthcare provider, such as a functional medicine doctor, will offer detailed instructions. Inside the chamber, the patient can rest comfortably. As the pressure in the chamber is gradually increased, it is common to feel a sensation of fullness in the ears, similar to what is experienced in an airplane during takeoff or landing.
During this time, the patient breathes pure oxygen. The medical staff monitors the patient continuously from outside the chamber. After the treatment is complete, the pressure is slowly returned to normal. Some individuals report feeling tired afterward, but these effects are usually temporary. The number of sessions required depends on the medical condition being treated. Some acute conditions might need only a few sessions.
Seek Professional Functional Medicine
Understanding the preparation, the procedure, and the intended uses of HBOT is a useful first step for anyone exploring this treatment. For detailed information and to determine if this therapy is appropriate for a specific health situation, consulting with a qualified medical professional is the correct course of action. A functional medicine practitioner can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss all available treatment options tailored to your individual needs.
