HBOT- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Introduction Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an advanced medical treatment that enhances
the body’s natural healing process by delivering 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressures.
Originally developed to treat decompression sickness in divers, HBOT is now widely recognized for its
therapeutic benefits in managing a wide range of medical conditions—especially chronic wounds
and infections that are resistant to conventional treatments.
How HBOT Works: The Science Explained
Under normal conditions, oxygen is carried throughout the body by red blood cells. However, in
HBOT, the patient breathes 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber (typically 2–2.5 times the normal
atmospheric pressure), allowing oxygen to dissolve directly into plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and
lymph.
This increased oxygen concentration achieves the following:
- Enhanced Oxygenation: Even poorly perfused tissues receive adequate oxygen.
- Angiogenesis: Stimulates the formation of new blood vessels.
- Collagen Synthesis: Promotes fibroblast activity and collagen formation—essential for wound healing.
- Immune Modulation: Boosts white blood cell activity to fight infections.
- Anti-Edema Effect: Reduces tissue swelling.
- Increased Stem Cell Mobilization: Aids tissue regeneration.
HBOT Efficiency: Clinical Study Highlights
Numerous peer-reviewed studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have documented the
efficacy of HBOT:
- Löndahl et al., Diabetes Care, 2010 – A double-blind, placebo-controlled study confirmed that HBOT significantly improved healing in diabetic foot ulcers.
- Kranke et al., Cochrane Review, 2015 – Concluded that HBOT may significantly improve the chance of healing chronic wounds and reduce the risk of major amputations.
- FDA & Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) – Lists more than 14 approved indications for HBOT based on proven clinical outcomes.
Benefits of HBOT
- Faster wound healing
- Decreased risk of infection
- Reduced need for major surgical interventions or amputations
- Pain and inflammation reduction
- Enhanced outcomes in grafts and flaps
- Improved quality of life for patients with chronic conditions
General Indications for HBOT
Wound Care Applications:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores)
- Venous stasis ulcers
- Surgical site infections
- Radiation-induced tissue injuries (e.g., proctitis, cystitis)
- Osteomyelitis (chronic bone infections)
- Skin grafts & flap failure prevention
- Crush injuries, compartment syndrome
Non-Wound Medical Applications:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Radiation necrosis
- Decompression sickness
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Gas gangrene
- Air or gas embolism
- Thermal and chemical burns
- Brain abscess
- Post Stroke recovery
- Neurological Disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia etc.
- Cerebral Palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Degenerative Disc Disorders
- Spine Arthritis
- Inflammation Disorders
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Migraine and cluster headaches
- Sports injuries and muscle recovery
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-COVID syndrome (“Long COVID”)
- Fibromyalgia
- Erectile dysfunction
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Lyme disease
- And many more applications
Side Effects of HBOT
While generally safe and well-tolerated, some patients may experience:
- Ear barotrauma (ear pain, eardrum injury)
- Sinus discomfort
- Temporary visual changes (myopia)
- Oxygen toxicity (very rare)
- Fatigue or claustrophobia
- These risks are minimized with proper screening and monitoring.
Contraindications for HBOT
- Untreated pneumothorax
- Certain types of chemotherapy (e.g., doxorubicin, bleomycin)
- Active respiratory infections or high fever
- Severe COPD or emphysema with CO2 retention
- Seizure disorders (if not well controlled)
Patient Preparation for HBOT
Before the Treatment (Do’s):
- Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before the session
- Wear 100% cotton clothing (no synthetic fabrics)
- Inform the staff about any medications, especially insulin or chemotherapy
- Arrive well-hydrated
Don’ts:
- Avoid smoking or alcohol 24 hours prior to the session
- Do not wear perfumes, makeup, or hair products
- Avoid bringing metallic objects or electronics into the chamber
Conclusion
HBOT is a scientifically validated and increasingly essential treatment modality for both wound and
non-wound conditions. For physicians, it represents a reliable adjunct to accelerate healing in
challenging clinical scenarios. For patients, it offers hope and healing when conventional treatments
fail.
At Royal Wound Care & Hyperbaric Oxygen Clinic, we are committed to bringing this high-impact
therapy to more people, safely and affordably.
