In the 1930s, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used in order to recompress divers as well as complement the effects of radiation in cancer treatments. Later on, it was discovered that the treatment is also effective for treating carbon monoxide poisoning and clostridial gas gangrene. It was even used to help patients who were undergoing cardiac surgery. In 1965, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was first used for wound treatment. Earlier that year, victims of a coal mine explosion were treated for CO poisoning, but it was found that even their wounds healed faster thanks to the added oxygen. But how does this treatment work? Is it truly safe? Let’s find out.
Overview
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, also known as HBOT, is a treatment that involves increasing the air pressure so that the patient could take in more oxygen than normal. Inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, the air pressure is increased to three times the normal air pressure. This allows the lungs to take in more oxygen at a time. You’ll be surprised by the number of applications that this type of treatment has. Originally used for decompression sickness (one of the hazards of scuba diving), carbon monoxide poisoning, and arterial gas embolism, HBOT later proved to be useful for the treatment of serious infections and non-healing wounds.How does it Work?
Additional air pressure forces the blood to carry more oxygen throughout the organs. This accelerates our body’s natural ability to heal itself. The additional oxygen also helps stimulate the release of stem cells and growth factors—chemicals in the body that promote healing. In essence, HBOT helps the body fight bacteria. It can also reduce swelling around the damaged areas. On top of this, the therapy also enhances the body’s natural immune defenses. Tissues need oxygen in order to function. But when damaged, tissues need even more in order to begin repairing itself. Do take note that HBOT is considered unnecessary in simple wounds and injuries. They are better applied for serious cases like diabetic wounds, venous stasis ulcers, and other infections. This is because these conditions involve “hypoxia” or inefficient oxygen supply. Hypoxia prevents the normal healing process and HBOT enables it.Is it Safe?
HBOT is a safe and non-invasive therapy. However, it is not recommended for patients with claustrophobia, because treatment involves staying in a chamber (albeit made of glass) for a few hours. Side effects are possible but only occur rarely. These include mild sinus discomfort, brief short-sightedness, and pulmonary oxygen toxicity.Other Uses
Aside from the functions mentioned above, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been used for the treatment of burns, severe anemia, radiation injury, and sudden deafness. Right now hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being studied for other uses and medical applications. Some claim that it can help fight depression, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, stroke, autism, hepatitis and allergies. However, right now there is no solid evidence that prove these claims. Still, there’s no denying that this is a good treatment option for those with serious wounds and injuries. Talk to your doctor today about HBOT and ask if it’s right for you.The following article Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Care: How Does it Work? Read more on: Dynamic Wellness
source https://www.dynamicwellnesschiro.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-wound-care/
No comments:
Post a Comment