HBOT Treated Conditions

HBOT’s Mechanisms of Action in acute and chronic conditions and illnesses:

1. Hyperoxygenation
The delivery of 100% oxygen under pressure (1.5 to 3 ATA) during hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides up to 20 times normal oxygen to all tissues within the body. Oxygen saturation under hyperbaric conditions contrasts markedly to oxygen saturation attained in normal room air settings (only 21% oxygen at 1 ATA).

2. Direct Pressure to Oxygen Molecules
Inside the hyperbaric chamber, oxygen molecules are compressed and become more soluble, obeying the scientific principles of Boyle’s Universal Gas Law. This phenomenon allows oxygen to effortlessly cross cell membranes and enter all of the body’s fluid systems, including plasma, synovial, lymphatic, interstitial (between cells) and cerebrospinal fluids. Normally, only the red blood cells are capable of transporting oxygen throughout the body. Now, all body fluids combine to provide alternate transport routes for extra oxygen and cumulatively can provide up to 20 times normal O2.

3. Bactericidal Ammunition – Aids in Killing Bacteria
Conditions created within the hyperbaric oxygen chamber are not favorable for the viability of bacteria, fungi and viruses – organisms that cannot survive in an oxygen rich environment. Extra oxygen is provided to the white blood cells (leukocytes) which become supercharged in the battle against bacteria responsible for causing infection and illness.

4. Angiogenesis – The Formation of New Blood Vessels
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates the body to grow new capillaries (angiogenesis), essentially building a new collateral circulatory system to serve injured and healthy tissues alike. The resulting neo-vascularization is extremely helpful for reaching tissues and organs that have restricted blood flow (ischemic areas) as well as areas of the body that are lacking or compromised in available oxygen (hypoxic areas).

5. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Stimulation – A Surge of Antioxidant Capabilities
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an important enzyme found in human cells that inactivates superoxides, the most common free radicals in the body, responsible for destruction of cells. Hyperbaric oxygen stimulates SOD production thereby helping the body to rid itself of the byproducts of inflammation and damaging free radicals.

6. Synergy With Antibiotics
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven to create a synergistic effect when administered in conjunction with certain antibiotics. Synergy can be understood as two or more agents working together to produce a result not obtainable by any of the agents independently. Administration of HBOT biomechanically potentiates the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. The capabilities of sulfanomides are increased up to ten fold when HBOT is added. Increased oxygen levels from HBOT alone also act as antibiotics by impairing bacterial metabolism.

7. Improves Osteoblast and Osteoclast Production
Faster regeneration of bone is derived by hyperbaric oxygen’s ability to stimulate and increase production of specialized cells (osteoblasts and osteoclasts) responsible for bone repair and formation.

8. Increases Fibroblast and Collagen Production
These essential building blocks of connective-tissue, tendon and skin matrix (fibroblasts and collagen) provide the structural framework throughout the body and play a critical role in wound healing. Fibroblast and collagen reproduction and growth are aided by the added availability of increased oxygen provided during hyperbaric conditions.

9. Decreases Inflammation
Inflammation, one of the most common mechanisms of disease and injury, is caused by biochemical byproducts that are manufactured by the body’s natural immune response. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy markedly decreases inflammation by stimulating the body’s own anti-inflammatory defenses. This may be the single most important function of HBOT.

*The content of this page is for information only and is not to be considered medical advice nor is it intended to be used to diagnose or treat individual health problems. Hyperbaric Therapy of Dublin, Hyperbaric Therapy of Pickerington, Hyperbaric Therapy of Brook Park, and Hyperbaric Therapy of Jacksonville fully support the FDA.