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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing process by providing it with pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. Here are five important things to know about it:

1. How It Works:
– During HBOT, patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The pressure increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, promoting faster healing by stimulating tissue repair and fighting infections more effectively.

2. Common Uses:
– HBOT is commonly used to treat conditions like chronic non-healing wounds (especially diabetic foot ulcers), decompression sickness (the bends), carbon monoxide poisoning, severe infections like gangrene, and radiation injuries. It is also being explored for other conditions, but not all uses are FDA-approved.

3. Treatment Process:
– A typical HBOT session lasts between 60 to 120 minutes, with patients sitting or lying in a hyperbaric chamber. Most treatments require multiple sessions, often ranging from 20 to 40 or more, depending on the condition being treated.

4. Potential Risks and Side Effects:
– HBOT is generally safe but can have side effects. Common issues include ear discomfort due to pressure changes, temporary nearsightedness, and, in rare cases, oxygen toxicity, which can lead to lung damage or seizures. Proper patient screening and supervision are essential to minimize risks.

5. Contraindications:
– Not everyone is a candidate for HBOT. Certain conditions, such as untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), recent ear surgery, or certain lung diseases, may make the treatment unsafe. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine if HBOT is appropriate for you.