Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is used for various medical conditions, including chronic wounds.
Unlike regular room air, HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure in the chamber allows your lungs to gather and absorb higher oxygen levels, typically two to three times higher than normal air pressure.
While the aforementioned indications highlight the effectiveness of HBOT, it is essential to consult with qualified healthcare professionals like Oxygen Ark to determine the appropriateness of the therapy for individual cases. They will assess the medical condition, evaluate potential risks and benefits, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
This elevated oxygen supply is crucial in healing tissues and bolstering their resistance to infections.
By providing a concentrated dose of oxygen, HBOT aids in the healing process and supports the body’s overall well-being.
Healthcare providers utilize hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other medical interventions like medications or surgery.
Typically, HBOT is administered outpatient, with each session lasting one to two hours. The specific treatment approach may vary depending on the condition being addressed.
Individuals may sit or lie down during the procedure, depending on the treatment modality and comfort.
As you can see, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is highly valued in the medicine and therapy industry. While it is one of the best ways to recover from wounds and injuries, there are a few limitations regarding who can be treated.
Considering that context, this article will discuss the indication for HBOT.
Medically Accepted Indications for HBOT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a specialized medical treatment that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in various conditions.
HBOT offers unique therapeutic benefits that can aid in healing and recovery by providing a concentrated supply of oxygen in a pressurized chamber.
Understanding these indications can shed light on the potential role of HBOT as a valuable treatment option.
Decompression Sickness and Gas Embolism
One of the primary indications for HBOT is decompression sickness, also known as “the bends.” This condition can occur when divers ascend too quickly, forming nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream.
HBOT is the gold standard treatment for decompression sickness, as it helps eliminate nitrogen bubbles and facilitates recovery.
Similarly, HBOT is effective in treating gas embolism, where air or gas enters the blood vessels, potentially causing blockages and tissue damage.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
HBOT is considered the standard of care for individuals with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen effectively.
HBOT rapidly eliminates carbon monoxide from the body, ensuring a sufficient oxygen supply and preventing long-term neurological damage.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Non-Healing Wounds
Individuals with diabetes often face the challenge of non-healing foot ulcers. HBOT is crucial in promoting wound healing in these cases by improving oxygenation, stimulating tissue growth, and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
Additionally, HBOT is utilized for non-healing wounds that have not responded to conventional treatments, providing a supportive environment for tissue repair.
Radiation Injuries
HBOT has shown efficacy in managing radiation-induced tissue injuries. In radiation cystitis, proctitis, or necrosis cases, HBOT can alleviate symptoms, promote tissue healing, and improve the overall quality of life.
By enhancing oxygenation, HBOT helps mitigate the long-term effects of radiation therapy and reduce the risk of complications.
Soft Tissue Infections
Severe soft tissue infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis or gas gangrene, can benefit from adjunctive HBOT treatment.
HBOT supports the effectiveness of antibiotics by delivering increased oxygen to infected tissues, assisting in bacterial clearance, and promoting healing.
Risks Involved in The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
When administered by trained healthcare professionals, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally considered a safe treatment option.
However, like any medical intervention, there are potential risks involved that need to be carefully considered.
Discussing these risks with your healthcare provider before undergoing HBOT is important. Here are some of the risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
Barotrauma
HBOT involves being exposed to increased pressure, which can cause barotrauma. Barotrauma can affect the ears and sinuses, leading to discomfort, pain, or injury.
Techniques such as equalizing pressure during descent and ascent are employed to minimize the risk, and patients are closely monitored during the treatment.
Oxygen Toxicity
Breathing in high oxygen levels for an extended period can lead to oxygen toxicity. Symptoms may include seizures, lung damage, vision changes, and breathing difficulties.
To prevent oxygen toxicity, healthcare providers carefully monitor the oxygen levels and treatment duration during HBOT sessions.
Fire Hazard
Oxygen supports combustion, so there is a fire risk in the presence of an open flame or sparks within the hyperbaric chamber.
Strict safety protocols are in place to prevent such incidents, including prohibiting flammable materials inside the chamber.
Claustrophobia and Anxiety
Some individuals may experience feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety during HBOT sessions due to the enclosed chamber space.
Healthcare providers can help manage these feelings by providing support, relaxation techniques, or even medications if necessary.
Contraindications and Complications
HBOT may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions, such as severe congestive heart failure, certain lung conditions, a history of spontaneous pneumothorax, or untreated pneumothorax, may increase the risks associated with HBOT.
Additionally, some individuals may have complications such as middle ear barotrauma, sinus squeeze, or vision changes.
5 FAQs about the Clinically Accepted Indications of HBOT
1. Are There Threatening Wounds That Can Be Treated with HBOT?
Yes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can effectively treat certain types of threatening wounds. Threatening wounds refer to wounds that have the potential to cause significant complications, impair healing, or lead to severe consequences if not properly managed. HBOT can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as diabetic foot, venous and arterial ulcers, where impaired tissue oxygenation and compromised healing are major challenges.
2. Are There Contraindications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment?
Patients with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for HBOT due to potential risks or complications.
Contraindications can include untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), active upper respiratory infections or sinusitis, untreated high fevers, uncontrolled seizures, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with respiratory failure, and certain types of lung diseases.
Patients with untreated or uncontrolled malignancies, certain types of ear disorders, or claustrophobia may also be contraindicated for HBOT.
3. Can a Child Be Exposed to HBOT?
Children can undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in certain cases. However, the decision to expose a child to HBOT should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals experienced in pediatric hyperbaric medicine.
HBOT has been used in children for various conditions, including certain types of infections, non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and radiation injuries.
However, there are considerations specific to pediatric patients, such as their age, developmental stage, and ability to tolerate the treatment environment.
4. Does a Diabetic Patient Need HBOT?
Diabetic patients often face challenges with wound healing due to poor circulation, reduced oxygen supply to tissues, and compromised immune function.
HBOT can be beneficial for diabetic patients with non-healing wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers, as it helps promote wound healing by improving oxygenation, stimulating tissue repair, and enhancing the body’s immune response.
5. What Are The Habits to Avoid before HBOT?
Before undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), following certain habits and avoiding certain activities is important to ensure a safe and effective treatment session.
Here are some habits to avoid before HBOT:
- Smoking.
- Alcohol and Sedatives.
- Caffeine and Stimulants.
- Vigorous Exercise.
- Fasting.
Following any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the HBOT facility regarding pre-treatment guidelines is crucial. These guidelines may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Consulting with your healthcare team can help ensure that you are well-prepared and informed about the necessary habits to avoid before HBOT.
Takeaway
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has several clinically accepted indications, indicating its effectiveness and usefulness in treating specific medical conditions. These indications are supported by scientific research, clinical experience, and established guidelines.
Some clinically accepted HBOT indications include treating gas or air embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, non-healing wounds (such as diabetic foot ulcers and arterial ulcers), necrotizing soft tissue infections, and radiation-induced tissue damage.
These conditions often involve compromised oxygen supply, impaired healing, or the presence of gas bubbles, which can be effectively addressed with the delivery of high levels of oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure.
