Hyperbaric medicine is a medical specialty that involves using high-pressure oxygen inside a controlled environment to treat diseases or disorders. Hyperbaric oxygen therapies are used for various conditions, including decompression sickness and chronic ulcers. Here’s more information about hyperbaric
treatments:
About Hyperbaric Medicine
Hyperbaric medicine involves inhaling medical-grade oxygen in an environment with a pressure higher than that of the atmosphere. This increased pressure means that the lungs can collect more oxygen than what is usual at normal atmospheric pressure. The extra oxygen goes directly into the blood plasma, enhancing the amount of oxygen within the body.
This high state of oxygen causes several physiological effects in the body. It enhances the outflow of growth factors and stem cells, assisting in tissue repair and regeneration. The extra oxygen gets assimilated by the areas that are starved of blood supply, helping to rejuvenate the cells. It also increases the body’s ability to combat some infections by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
They also influence the behavior of gasses in the body. When pressure increases, the volume of the gas reduces. This helps in the treatment of diseases such as decompression sickness. The therapy can help decrease swelling and inflammatory response. This happens when the blood vessels constrict in the presence of high oxygen levels. Knowledge of these mechanisms enables medical caregivers to adapt hyperbaric treatment for different diseases, including treating wounds and managing gas embolisms.
About Hyperbaric Chambers
Hyperbaric chambers allow for the delivery of high-pressure oxygen therapy in a controlled setting. There are two main types: monoplane and multi-place chambers. Monoplane chambers are isolated chambers meant for a single person. They look like a large tube with a clear dome on top. They enable the prescription of individual treatments. The machines are usually smaller in size and more appropriate for use in small hospitals.
Pressure in the chamber rises gradually during a session while the patients lie comfortably. The experience is described as being similar to the feeling one gets when flying in an airplane or when diving. During the treatment, only qualified personnel supervise the pressure of the chamber and the availability of oxygen.
Applications of Hyperbaric Medicine
One of the uses of hyperbaric medicine is to treat decompression sickness, also called the bends. It takes place when divers start rising to the surface without sufficient time to wait for nitrogen bubbles to dissipate from the blood and tissues. This condition is treated through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
The nitrogen bubbles are reduced in size and reabsorbed at a faster pace. High pressure replaces the excess nitrogen in the solution, preventing the occurrence of long-term symptoms and complications. Here are other applications of hyperbaric medicine:
Chronic Wound Healing
Hyperbaric medicine can be used for the management of chronic wounds, especially in diabetic patients. The increase in oxygen levels triggers the growth of new blood vessels by promoting angiogenesis. This brings more nutrition and oxygen to the area of healing, enhancing the healing process in the wound. HBOT also aids in the functioning of the white blood cells and the ability of the body to combat infections.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning are serious, and the use of hyperbaric therapy is a standard procedure in such cases. Carbon monoxide has an affinity to bind with hemoglobin, which leads to a reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. HBOT raises the content of dissolved oxygen in plasma and does not depend on the functioning of hemoglobin. This fast oxygen delivery is effective when it comes to avoiding long-term neurological issues and other consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas Gangrene and Necrotizing Infections
Gas gangrene and other necrotizing soft tissue infections are treatable with hyperbaric medicine. These conditions are caused by the production of anaerobic bacteria that live in environments with low oxygen levels. These bacteria cannot survive under the high pressure and oxygen concentration in the hyperbaric chamber. HBOT also improves the efficacy of specific antibiotics used in combating infections.
Try Hyperbaric Medicine Today
Hyperbaric medicine is different from traditional treatments as it aims to promote the body’s natural healing mechanisms. By inhaling pure oxygen enclosed in a pressure chamber, you can enhance immunity and tissue regeneration. Contact qualified medical personnel who provide hyperbaric oxygen treatments today.
