Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the method of administering oxygen at pressures above atmospheric pressure. This oxygen is administered in special chambers. The pressure inside the chamber is increased by administering compressed air and patients are given hyperbaric oxygen through a special nose-to-mouth mask.
Inhalation of hyperbaric oxygen increases the amount of oxygen that is solubilised in the plasma to such an extent that at a pressure three times the atmospheric pressure the oxygen carried by the haemoglobin of the red blood cells does not need to be used.
For example, the partial pressure of oxygen in plasma increases from 100 mmHg to 2,000 mmHg. Because of this, oxygen can be carried to areas of poor circulation either due to vascular problems (e.g. diabetic microangiopathy – atherosclerotic lesions with partial lumen obstruction etc.) or due to tissue damage causing disturbances in blood circulation to tissues (e.g. tissue oedema from injury, burn, compartmentalisation syndrome etc.).
The organs of the body react to hyperoxia by vasoconstriction and reduction of blood flow.
This reduction in flow without altering venous return results in the absorption of edema.
The reduction in blood flow with concomitant tissue hyperoxygenation is a unique pharmacological property of Hyperbaric Oxygen and is called the “oxygen paradox”.
As a consequence of the large increase in the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, changes in the biochemical function of the cell occur, such as an increase in energy production, an increase in antioxidant enzymes, production of neurotransmitters, and an increase in the ability of macrophages and mast cells (the body’s defense cells) to phagocytose and lyse microbes.
In recent years, research into the applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in combination with conventional treatment has been extended to various other diseases, and the results of the research are, until know, exceed expectations.
The apparent health benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy have led scientists and technology companies to build Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chambers suitable for personal use.
Thus, anyone can buy a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber for their home.
It should be stressed that HBOT is another arrow in the quiver of medicine which is always combined with conventional treatment and in no way replaces it.
