What is it?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. The air pressure is increased to a level higher than atmospheric pressure, allowing the lungs to take in more oxygen than would be possible at normal air pressure. This increased oxygen availability in the bloodstream can promote healing and provide therapeutic benefits for various medical conditions. The process typically involves the patient entering a specialized chamber, either monoplace (for one person) or multiplace (for several individuals), where they breathe pure oxygen under increased pressure. HBOT is commonly used as an adjunctive therapy for conditions such as decompression sickness, chronic non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and certain infections. The elevated oxygen levels in the body have been shown to enhance the body's natural healing processes, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue repair.

 During a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, patients may experience temporary changes in air pressure, such as a feeling of fullness in the ears, similar to the sensation during air travel. Treatment sessions typically last about 60 to 90 minutes, and the number of sessions required depends on the specific medical condition being treated. HBOT is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated therapy when administered by trained healthcare professionals. Despite its established efficacy for certain conditions, ongoing research is exploring the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for an expanding range of medical issues, including neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and sports injuries.

Listen to fellow International Board of Undersea Medicine member and instructor, Dr Jason Sonners, on why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works.